Newsletter: Edition 4, Term 2 – 2023
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From the Principal
Early Learning Centre
Junior School
Senior School
Cocurricular
Chaplain’s Chat
Community
From the Principal
Payroll tax and Independent Schools
Our school community will undoubtedly be aware of the state government decision as declared in the recent budget to make some Independent Schools subject to payroll tax from 1 July next year. Payroll tax was introduced in Victoria before I was born, and Independent Schools have been exempt for the duration of the tax due to the public good that they do and their not for profit status. That status has been revoked in relation to payroll tax. This came as a significant surprise to everyone in the Independent and Catholic school sectors. You may not be surprised that I have spent a good deal of quality time with politicians and other invested Principals over the last couple of weeks!
It is important that we articulate some of the realities for Trinity as we prepare to manage the implications of the new tax for schools like ours, even though we do not yet know with surety some aspects of the government’s plans.
While we do not know everything yet, we do know that from July 1 2024, “High Fee Independent Schools” will have the new tax imposed – in addition to state government COVID Debt, and Mental Health and Wellbeing levies. At an estimated annual cost to school of at least $2m, it is incumbent on us to work our way through the new reality by examining ways to ensure that our new costs do not overly impact our families. We are undertaking that work and will be prudent, as ever, in our management of our resources.
This week we launch our scheduled 2023 Community Giving Day amidst a more challenging time than we might have expected! Cost of living pressures and the recent government impositions change the equation somewhat when considering philanthropic ventures; however, our focus is – like last year – the establishment of scholarships for students who would not otherwise be able to attend the school. In these changing times, it is a special opportunity to be able to act on our values of service and community to think of and support those in need. I know that our community will continue to value the notion of broad access to our quality of educational experience.
In the weeks and months to come I will continue to update our community regarding the impact of the government’s budget position and the school’s response. In the meantime, I am happy to speak with anyone who would like more information.
Historical Child Sex Abuse Memorial Dedication
In our history, there have been instances of hurt and pain caused to some within our community. Trinity is committed to a caring, compassionate and authentic response to survivors of sexual abuse. As such, we have created a memorial for survivors as a place of remembrance, reflection, truth, healing and hope. The memorial, which will be Dedicated on June 22 at 10.30am, is a collaboration between the school, survivors, the Parents’ Association and the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association.
Members of the school community are welcome to attend the dedication which will stand as a statement of apology as well as a statement of intent regarding our commitment to child safety in this era and beyond.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
Early Learning Centre
Within the ELC we have a focus on instilling cultural literacy.
At the start of the year, in the Kangaroo room, we presented our learners with a standard Acknowledgment of Country… with the goal of creating a new one written in the students’ voice.
We broke down key words, researched, questioned, and shared new knowledge.
The acknowledgment we now share every morning holds so much meaning and importance for our learners because they wrote it. They understand it and feel connected to the language and content.
The final sentence of our acknowledgment, ‘the footprints that have come before, guide our way as we create more’, inspired our collaborative footprint art piece. Our learners walked in paint and across a long piece of paper leaving behind footprints to showcase their evolving knowledge and journey. Our learners had the freedom, time and space to add learnt indigenous symbols, key words, handprints, drawings of Bunjil and Waa, sand and soil. This mixed media piece of art has each child’s contribution within it and holds much thought, significance and meaning to all involved.
In the ELC, we have the mindset that it is our job and privilege to ensure that all learners’ cultures, languages and identities are embraced and heard. Our learners’ voices are embedded in our practice.
Naomi Wright
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Junior School
Trinity has been full of rich experiential learning experiences over the last two weeks and all experiences have been excellent provocations connected to a variety of PYP Units of Inquiry (UOI).
How we organise ourselves: The Preps went on a tour of the Coles Supermarket in Kew. Their Central Idea for their (UOI) is ‘Food fuels the mind and body’. Students were able to purchase items that were healthy for them. They selected a variety of fruit that they were then able to place onto fruit skewers into a variety of patterns that were repeated and continuous. This is an example of how transdisciplinary learning is done at Trinity.
Where we are in place and time: Year 2 went on an excursion to Bundoora Park. Their Central Idea for their (UOI) is ‘The history of a place may help us understand why things change’. The students were shown examples of continuity and change in family life and in the local area by comparing past and present. They also were shown differences in and similarities between students’ daily lives and perspectives of life during their parents’ and grandparents’ childhoods, including family traditions, leisure time and communications.
Year 3 to 6 students also enjoyed the House Cross Country carnival that was held out at Bulleen and we also had a selection of students who represented the school proudly at Chelsworth Park in the AGSV Cross Country.
On 2 June our Year 6s enjoyed competing in the Round Robin held at Trinity. Our students enjoyed playing against Camberwell, PEGS and Ivanhoe and all students participated with great spirit and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Sharing the planet – Our Year 6s are preparing for their PYP Exhibition, which is the culmination of all learning that has occurred in a PYP school. Year 6 parents have now received the PYP Exhibition video link through Trinity Connect, that elaborates on the process our students need to go through. If any parents or guardians would like to assist our students in any of the United Nations – Sustainable Developmental Goals, it would be much appreciated. Please feel free to contact the PYP Coordinator (on knightj@trinity.vic.edu.au) or any of the Year 6 staff, should you have any questions about the PYP Exhibition.
To conclude I would like to invite all staff and students to a photo opportunity that will demonstrate our participation and commitment to the Fight MND foundation. This photo is for any staff member or student who has purchased a 2023 beanie, pair of socks or a scarf. We would appreciate it if you could come to the Junior School promptly and join in this community photograph opportunity.
When: Tuesday 13 June
Where: Taffs Oval
Time: 8:30am
Jon Knight
PYP Coordinator
Year 3 to 6 House Cross Country 2023
What a wonderful way to celebrate another major inter-house sports event with the running of the Year 3 to 6 House Cross Country, held at the Bulleen playing fields on Friday 26 May. The weather forecast once again was favourable with no rain and high winds. It was so pleasing to see so many boys achieve personal goals by completing the running course within the time limit and thus gaining valuable points for their house. Overall results changed after each age group’s race was completed. It was also wonderful to see parents and friends join us and cheer on our boys, and some staff put on their sports attire and ran the course in each of the age groups, encouraging the boys to reach the finish line. The cheering and chanting from all boys in the house bays as participants completed the course, added to the overall success and spirit of the event.
Congratulations to Friend house, who were awarded the House Cross Country Cup for 2023, and Inglis house, who were awarded the Spirit Cup!
It was wonderful once again to see the smiles on the boys’ faces as they were actively involved throughout the entire afternoon. Many thanks to all the Junior School staff who did a wonderful job marshalling the course and supervising the boys in the house bays; the Year 9 mentors who were able to run as hares in all four age groups; and the Bulleen grounds support staff for the setup of the course. And finally, to the boys who once again all displayed the true spirit in which our sporting events at Trinity in the Junior School are celebrated!
AGSV Cross Country Carnival 2023
Congratulations to our selected team of boys who recently participated in the AGSV Cross Country event held at Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe on Thursday 25 May.
With predicted threatening weather conditions, the organisers raced through the original program allowing everyone involved a dry event! Our boys, who could be easily identified whilst running the course, wore the provided TGS Athletics singlets and all looked the part. The Tomato Timing inflatable finish line clearly marked the finish for all runners as they crossed the line wearing their individually marked timing bands on the front of their tops. We managed to have two boys finish overall in the top three for their age group: 9/10 Years – Harry Wellington 2nd and 12 Years – Benjamin Guthrie 2nd.
It was wonderful again to see our boys cheer on their team members and to see parents support our boys who achieved some outstanding results.
David Ponsford
Director of Junior School Sport & Cocurricular activities
Year 3 Soil Science
A collaboration with the Senior School Science faculty, Junior School Art department and Year 3 teachers, the Year 3 students have begun a new unit of inquiry with the Central Idea: Earth’s properties may play a role in our lives, with the Lines of Inquiry:
- The many properties hidden in earth (form)
- The earth’s resources that impact people’s lives (responsibility)
- How we use earth’s resources in everyday lives (connection)
Students will bring in some soil from their back garden, watch demonstrations of soil separation, discuss how the materials separate and conduct separation activities to separate the clay from the soil. Boys will make two small clay pots from their soil clay separation, fire one pot in the kiln and leave the other. They will return to the Science labs and pour water into the clay pots (one through the kiln and one not). We will discuss what takes place and why.
Neil van Herk
Head of Science; Teacher in Charge: Volleyball
Senior School
Congratulations
Alastair Murphy was one of eight students who were selected from Australia to attend the 23rd Asian Physics Olympiad. The competition was held in Mongolia, where 195 students from 27 countries attended. Alastair was awarded an honourable mention for his outstanding efforts during the competition.
Ludolph Wiggett captained the Victorian tennis team when he competed in the SSV National Tennis Championships that took place in Canberra recently. Ludolph was also selected in the All Australian Boys U18 team.
Examinations
Examinations for Year 11 students are progressing well, with Year 9 and Year 10 examinations beginning this Friday. A reminder that students have the option to attend supervised study sessions between examinations or attend for examination periods only.
Professional Practice Day: Friday 9 June
A reminder that no Year 7 and 8 classes will occur this Friday. Year 12 classes will continue as normal.
Year 8 Learning Journeys
Commence for Year 8A-8D on 13 June and Year 8E-8H on 20 June.
Year 7 Grandparents’ and Friends’ Morning
We look forward to welcoming our guests for this special occasion on 20 June.
Year 10 Camps/Work Experience
We wish our Year 10 cohort all the best as Year 10A-10D depart for camp on 16 June, and 10E-10H begin their work experience on 19 June
Mitre Cup
Those that follow the AFL know of the rivalry between two of the oldest clubs; Collingwood and Carlton. Within the AGSV, close neighbours Camberwell and Trinity are two of the founding schools and have now been competing against each other for over 100 years. Win, lose or draw, both teams strive to play their best when competing against each other. Learning to respect teammates, the opposition, the officials and history are part of this friendly rivalry.
The traditional 1st XVII football clash and subsequent Mitre Cup was first introduced in 2006 during the time when current Trinity Principal, Mr Adrian Farrer, was coach at Camberwell. It is heavily rumoured that Mr Farrer moved to Trinity in order to display that cup on his desk as Trinity has tasted success in all but one game (2015).
In the winter season of 2016, the Mitre Shield was introduced. This award recognises the competition from both the summer and winter seasons with a majority winner across the following sports:
Summer: Basketball-Cricket-Tennis
Winter: Football-Hockey-Soccer
We are pleased that over the weekend Trinity defeated Camberwell in all three winter sports and earned back the shield from the summer season where we were narrowly defeated in both tennis (games only) and cricket (final over of the match).
Football: 11-15-81 def CGS 6-4-40
Hockey: TGS 4 def CGS 0
Soccer: TGS 8 def CGS 0
2012: Staff member and coach, Steve Maus with current AFL player Luke McDonald (North Melbourne), celebrating a Mitre Cup win
2023: Winners are grinners wearing Reconciliation round jerseys
Susan Hill
Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
Da Vinci Decathlon
Over the past week, Trinity has been represented by teams in the prestigious and highly competitive Da Vinci Decathlon. This event requires a team of eight students to work together for a single, intense day, to address challenges in Maths, Science, English, Art and Poetry, Engineering, Code-Breaking, Cartography, Drama, Ideation and Legacy (information about the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci himself).
At MLC, our Year 7 team was amongst 20 schools who gathered for the day. They obtained strong results in some of the disciplines and gained valuable experience that will stand them in good stead for next year.
Year 8s gathered at MLC the following day, where our team made a strong showing in Cartography and were competitive in other areas of challenge against 21 other teams from across Melbourne.
Year 9s and Year 10s met 23 teams each at Camberwell Grammar and also won respect and good results. The Year 10s finished 5th overall and were in the top three places in 3 different disciplines.
This annual competition is extremely competitive, with some schools preparing diligently for months while others rely on natural ability of team members and experience from previous years. All Trinity students contributed to their team’s submissions for each set of challenges and can be proud of their efforts.
In addition, the day was great fun, a chance for our highly able students to meet others of like mind from different schools and an opportunity to see how well they could address really difficult challenges.
Susan Doig
Henty Institute
Cocurricular
AFL Umpiring Academy
We are pleased to launch our AFL umpire academy at Trinity Grammar, which is run with support from the AFL and in particular umpires from the Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL), where many of our students have club affiliations.
The academy will commence on Tuesday June 6 from 3.30pm – 4.45pm on the Birrell Oval at the Kew campus. There will be five subsequent sessions running each Tuesday afternoon as follows:
- June 13
- June 20
- July 18
- July 25
- August 1
The YJFL are most keen to support this program and expand their umpire pool. They will provide immediate opportunity for students to umpire in their competition on a Sunday with the capacity to begin earning money as a part time job. The YJFL consider the playing schedule of umpires so that their matches do not clash with umpiring commitments.
Umpiring is a fantastic way to learn new skills, improve fitness levels, gain a greater appreciation of the game and perhaps seek a pathway, beyond playing, into the elite level.
Students who are current members of the various Intermediate Sport teams will be able to train with the Academy on Tuesday and then train with their team on Thursday. Year 7 & 8 students will still attend their sport team training each Wednesday.
If you have any further questions regarding the program, please contact Mr Craig Seckold (Teacher in Charge of Football) via email seckoldc@trinity.vic.edu.au.
Craig Seckold
Teacher in Charge of Football
2023 May Gala Concert
Last week the music school hosted its annual May Gala Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
This year’s program featured outstanding performances from Stage Band, Suzuki Violin Ensemble, Senior Choir, Trinity Strings, Mitre Band, Symphonic Wind, Senior Strings and Trinity Symphony Orchestra. Congratulations to all student performers for their excellent effort, attitude, and teamwork. The quality of their performances doesn’t just happen – hours of rehearsal, individual practice and many lessons culminate in such a successful event.
A special thank you goes out to our 2023 Music Captain, Angus Wong and Vice-Captains, Kaidin Ameti and Oliver Wilkie, who all delivered heartfelt speeches on their experiences of music at Trinity.
Thank you to all our conductors – Mrs Thérèse McCoppin, Mrs Moirsheen Kelly-Keesing, Ms Ciara McCoppin, Mr Jamie Ransome, Mr Connor Jenkinson and Mr Kevin Kelley, and to our accompanists – Mr Rhodri Clarke and Ms Jane Matheson. They are all a source of admiration and inspiration for us, and the knowledge, dedication and guidance they share with our students is invaluable.
I would also like to thank our wonderful parent group, Trinity Friends of Music for their generous support of our music department and students. A big thank you to all the music staff and senior school staff who assisted us before and during this important event. We are very grateful for your time and support on the day and night of the concert.
Below are some photos from the daytime rehearsal which took place at Melbourne Recital Centre’s Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.
Our 2023 Music Captain and Vice Captains
Bigger Better Brains – Make Your Brain More Efficient
Here is a very interesting article that describes how music learning trains the brain to be more efficient:
https://biggerbetterbrains.com/news-post/make-your-brain-more-efficient/
Jan Blazejczak
Director of Music
Chaplain’s Chat
In Chapel, we spend time talking about Christianity, which would not be a surprise as we are a Christian school! Of late, we have been reflecting on the person of Jesus, as well as the movie Remember the Titans to think about working together for the common good in spite of our differences. Trinity boys are similar in many ways, yet different in many others.
Jesus teaches us that it is our actions and our thoughts that mark who we are; it doesn’t matter what our background is. Romans 10:12 says, ‘For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.’ This is just one example but it gives us a snapshot into how we should interact with others.
The film Remember the Titans helps us to gain an insight into how people can overcome differences to achieve something great, in this case, as a football team. As the coach reflects at the end of the film, ‘I hope you boys have learned as much from me this year as I’ve learned from you. You’ve taught this city how to trust the soul of a man rather than the look of him. And I guess it’s about time I joined the club.’
Our challenge is to figure out what our common goal is and work towards it. At a simple level I suggest as a school community focusing on Jesus’ greatest commandment to ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’ would be a good starting point.
What will a Trinity student be defined by? What will be the common goal of the Trinity community? And will we let our differences get in the way?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please send a message through Trinity Connect or email me at halej@trinity.vic.edu.au.
Have a great week.
Rev’d James Hale
Assistant Chaplain
Community
The highly anticipated 2023 Green and Gold Ball took place on Saturday 27 May and was, by all accounts, a resounding success. The Plaza Ballroom proved to be a wonderful new venue for a night filled with much joy, celebration and connection. It was wonderful to spend the evening with the Trinity community. Congratulations and a sincere thank you to Heidi Pfeffer (convenor) and the Ball Committee – Felicia Trewin, Sally Child, Suzanne Smith, Sharan Jassal, Wei Wei, Luis Silva, Vicki Smirlis, Rebecca Stambanis and Angie Kotsonis – for your dedication and the work involved in bringing such a successful event to fruition. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Vanessa Johnson, Hayley Galloway and the Community Engagement team. And to our many generous donors and all who attended on the night – thank you.
Finally, a reminder to our Year 7 students and families that the Year 7 Grandparents and Special Friends Morning will take place on Tuesday 20 June, from 9:30am at the Centre for the Arts. Please book here by June 12 – we hope to see many of you there!
Lucy Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
Prayer Breakfast – 9 June
Mustard and Camberwell Girls’ Grammar invite you to join students from across Melbourne, parents, staff, and supporters at a special Inter-School Prayer Breakfast.
Hear inspiring stories of students living out their faith at school and pray with them.
Please feel free to contact myself or Rev Hale if you are interested in attending.
Reverend Bryn Jones
Senior Chaplain
Winter Holiday Embroidery 2023
To ensure the best opportunity for blazers to be back in time for Term 3 commencement, we kindly ask that all dry-cleaned blazers be submitted by Tuesday 27 June 2023.
All blazers and worn garments requiring alterations (including embroidery) must be clearly labelled with student’s name and have a dry-cleaning tag attached and be in the original dry-cleaning bag. This is an essential measure to protect the wellbeing of our staff and contractors for now and the foreseeable future. Noncompliance with dry-cleaning and blazers submitted after the cut off time may result in delays. We thank you for your co-operation.
Bob Stewart P/L
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
Important Dates
Thursday 8 June
Year 10 Examinations commence
Middle School Play Auditions, P&F Hall 12:40PM
Trinity Shop, 2:00PM-4:00PM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Friday 9 June
Year 9 Examinations commence
Year 11 Examinations conclude
Professional Practice Day (No Year 7-8 classes)
Prep -Year 2 Cross Country, 1:50PM
Africa Homework Club, 3:15PM
Trinity Ruyton Musical Rehearsal, Ruyton 3:30PM
Dadirri House Exeat, 3:30PM
Saturday 10 June
Trinity Ruyton Musical Rehearsal, Ruyton 2:00PM
Monday 12 June
King’s Birthday public holiday
Dadirri House return, 5:00PM
Tuesday 13 June
Year 11 Unit 2 classes commence
Year 8A-8D Learning Journeys commence, Camp Toolangi & Bulleen, 8:15AM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Parents’ Association Meeting, 7:00PM
Wednesday 14 June
Middle School Play Callbacks, P&F Hall 12:40PM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Philippines Immersion Tour 2023 Pre-Trip Briefing, Arnold Hall 7:00PM
Thursday 15 June
Trinity Community Giving Day
VCE GAT Examination, no Year 11 & 12 classes
The Younger Oration, The Drum 6:00PM
Friday 16 June
Year 9 & 10 Examinations conclude
Year 10A-D Interstate Expeditions commence, 7:00AM
Africa Homework Club, 3:15PM
Year 8A-8D Learning Journeys conclude, Camp Toolangi & Bulleen 3:30PM
Trinity Ruyton Musical Rehearsal, Ruyton 3:30PM
Saturday 17 June
Term 2 AGSV Winter Sport concludes
Trinity Ruyton Musical Rehearsal, Ruyton 2:00PM
Year 12 Formal, San Remo Ballroom 7:00PM
Monday 19 June
Early Finish – Senior School, no sport, music or co-curricular activities, 2:45PM
VET Structured Workplace Learning commences
Year 10E-H Work Experience commences
OTG Africa Immersion Tour 2024 Information Night, Arnold Hall 7:00PM
Tuesday 20 June
Year 8E-H Learning Journeys commence, Camp Toolangi & Bulleen 8:15AM
Year 7 Grandparents and Friends Morning, Centre for the Arts 9:00AM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM