Week 10, Term 2 – 2018
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FROM THE HEADMASTER
I was intrigued, recently, to hear Apple announce its range of measures to limit user time on their phones. Until now, software companies have designed for constant use – as much engagement as possible without giving much thought to the insomnia, distraction, emotional issues and stress which seem to have become far more prevalent through the overuse of these technologies. As Sean Parker, the founding President of Facebook, said in a recent interview ‘The thought process that went into building these applications was about: ‘How do we consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible?’’.
It is reported that we are entering a paradigm shift towards digital wellbeing. This is being driven, it seems, out of Silicon Valley. Apple’s decision to offer these limiting devices sparked my interest during a long car journey watching one of my children read books whilst the other was transfixed by screen interaction for hours on end. Donna and I are like many other parents as we navigate the world of online engagement, social media use with our older children. We continually remind our children about their own use of the internet and social media platforms. I am quick to quote from a list of Top Internet Manners that I read a few years ago to ensure our children are being good digital citizens on social media platforms.
With the midyear break a little under two weeks away, I thought it was timely for me to revisit the information we sent out earlier in the year following our Term 1 Parent Partnership evening ‘Teens and Screens: A Healthy Media Diet’ with an expert in gaming, Dr Wayne Warburton. As a family we will ensure that whilst there will be screen time there will also be lots of physical activity outside – being Welsh, the inclement Melbourne weather does not get in the way of a walk or a bike ride. Dr Warburton’s tip to spend more minutes in your day undertaking physical activity than using these devices is a good one, and switching off the screens well before trying to sleep is key to a good night sleep for everyone. I have attached links to the information for all families to have a look as we have found them a good resource.
Apple have included an Unplug option. I like the sound of this. I will try to set an example by unplugging from my phone and computer. They also have a downtime button, to ensure that you can have undisturbed time. Over the next few weeks of break and sabbatical, the family and I will try some unplugged and downtime options and I hope that everyone in the Trinity community has time and space to do the same. The boys have worked hard over the term and deserve a break, as do our teachers, support staff and indeed you, our parents. I wish you well for the remainder of the term and the vacation ahead.
Michael Davies
Headmaster
Resource Links:
- Top 10 Tips for Healthy Game Play
- Screen Smart Tips
- Health Department Screen Sleep and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines
Federal Government Accountability Statement
Under Federal Government regulations, the School is required to publish an Accountability Statement each year. Please click here to view this document.
ELC NEWS
As winter has arrived in a rush, so too have many colds and viruses, particularly in the Three Year Old room. We do urge parents to keep their child at home when they are unwell not only to aid their recovery, but also to minimise the spread of infection to other children – and staff – in the group.
There have already been numerous discussions and stories (even songs) about healthy practices around the management of coughs and sneezes, and we trust parents are encouraging their child to develop independence in these skills.
On average, many young children may need up to five or six absences over winter and therefore it is wise to have a contingency plan for their care. In the long run, this is much easier than receiving a phone call from the ELC requesting parents come and collect their child in the middle of a working day.
A couple of reminders…
- If you wish to order photos after the recent photographer’s visit, order forms and payment details need to be returned to the ELC by Wednesday 20 June
- Booking forms for the Term 2 Holiday Program are due back by Friday 22 June.
Thank you.
Genevieve Read
Director of the ELC
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Impacting the lives of others through actions
‘The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.’
Last week, boys from Year 5 lived and breathed the IB mission statement in their support of one of the school’s Harambee projects. Having received the fundraising baton from the Senior School, Year 5 boys utilised their understanding of charitable endeavours to drive the selling of ties and bow ties manufactured by women who support the Brother Beausang Vocation Centre in Kenya. With the support from the Trinity community they raised over $2700. A fabulous outcome for those involved.
Year 5 have been investigating the central idea ‘People impact the lives of others through their actions’. They have focused on charitable work and look forward to sharing some of their research and work this week during their ‘charitable expo’. It promises to be an enlightening day and hopefully a chance for the boys to fundraise for a whole host of other causes.
Tom Savill
Junior School Deputy Head (Administration)
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Congratulations
- Lachlan Chen has been selected to play in the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Academy, directed by Aiko Goto, with a free public concert on 13 July. Well done.
- William Browning, Rishov Doloi and Finn Horan have been accepted into Monash Scholars Class of 2018 – 2020.
Sports Training/Examinations
There a reduced number of sport training sessions this week and even fewer in the last week of term. Please keep in mind that we are mid-season, so I encourage boys to remain fit, to go for a few runs over the holiday break, and to enjoy a few Saturdays off.
A healthy body means a healthy mind.
Last Week of Term
Year 8 boys are involved in Learning Journeys, which will mean some time at Bulleen and some time at Toolangi. Year 10 have Work Experience, while Year 9 will receive some First Aid training. Years 7, 11 and 12 will be reasonably normal, with Term finishing on Friday 29 June.
2018 Senior School Musical
Ruyton Girls’ School and Trinity Grammar School present The Wiz
Dates: Thursday 19 July – Saturday 21 July
Ticketing: on sale Wednesday 20 June at 7.00pm at via Trybooking.
Price: Adult – $36.00, Child/Concession – $23.00, Family – $110.00 (two adults, two children)
Venue: Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre, Xavier College
A Parent’s Guide to Fortnite
The game Fortnite has caused a bit of a stir recently. It’s an online multiplayer game where 100 players compete to be the last one standing. Fortnite is a first-person shooter (FPS) game, although the graphics are fairly cartoony in nature, so the game has only attracted a 12+ rating. We would always recommend that parents enforce the age rating of a game, which means that Fortnite is not suitable for any students in our Junior School to be playing at any time.
Fortnite is extremely addictive, and some teens have shown real physical addiction to the game, including withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, urges and headaches. The addictive nature of the game is compounded by the subtle ‘pay to win’ model that it employs; while players cannot technically pay to gain any advantage in the game, they can progress up the levels more quickly by spending money. Some teens have experienced real social pressure to advance in the game.
Trinity does not feel that FPS games are suitable for students to play at school, and Fortnite is blocked on our network. We recognise some of the well-documented benefits for young people in playing computer games, and we do allow students to play some kinds of games at school during social hours. For example, students in the Senior School collaborating over a Minecraft creation during one lunchtime would be a positive social gaming experience. We also want boys to socialise and be active, and we try to maximise these opportunities through structured programs such as the House system.
If children are playing Fortnite at home on Xbox or Playstation, parents can limit the amount of time they play using the parental controls. It’s a good idea to set some sort of time limit on game-play. An ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish’ rule would be appropriate; games can last up to 20 minutes, and quitting in the middle of a game will leave other players in the lurch, so won’t be popular!
Ben Ryder
Director of Innovative Learning
MUSIC NEWS
Australian Chamber Orchestra Academy
Congratulations to Lachlan Chen who will be playing in the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Academy, directed by Aiko Goto in July this year. He will have the privilege of working and playing alongside ACO musicians, and of engaging in chamber orchestra rehearsals, smaller chamber ensemble rehearsals, presentations by ACO musicians and staff and, finally, a free public concert on the Friday 13 July.
Michelle Stanic
Director of Music
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Cafeteria – Volunteers Needed!
The Term 3 roster is now open and you can sign up by clicking here.
Please consider volunteering for the café. Duty runs daily from 9.30am until approximately 1.30pm. To find out more about volunteering in the café or if you have any feedback, please contact Sue McNally, Parent Volunteer Coordinator, or Sharon Kendall, Community Liaison.
Click here to view the volunteer roster for Term 2.
Trinity Shop
Thanks to all who support the Trinity Shop and to our parent volunteers who provide this service. We will be open:
Thursday 21 June: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Liz Beasley, Diane DiStefano, Kate Jennings
- Sales: Monica Zhou, Yanxia Gu, Juli Moran
We will reopen in Term 3 on Thursday 19 July: 2.00pm – 4.00pm and Saturday 21 July: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Donations for the Trinity Shop may be dropped off at Reception during business hours. If you wish to volunteer in the Trinity Shop, please contact Susan Lane.
Founders’ Day Fair
CAN YOU HELP THE PLANT STALL?
The Plant Stall is holding a working bee between 2.30pm and 4.00pm on Thursday 21 June, at the rear of Hudson House (corner of Wellington and Charles Streets). We’ll be potting up cuttings for the Trinity Fair – no experience or equipment necessary. Please drop in for any length of time to help us prepare for the fair in November. If you’re able to attend or would like to be notified of future Plant Stall activities please email Vanessa Solomon.
NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Arabunna Tour 2018
Friday 14 September – Sunday 23 September 2018
Trinity’s long-standing relationship of over 20 years with the Arabunna People is built on trust and respect. With Reg Dodd, Elder of the Arabunna, as our guide and mentor, we are privileged to share his knowledge of Country, his people’s history and culture.
The Arabunna tour is a unique opportunity to experience the Outback and the majesty of Lake Eyre/Kati Thanda while learning the significance of the Land – its trees, animals, plants, spirits – to Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
The tour is open to everyone – individuals, students, children, families or parts of families. Past participants have ranged in ages from five years to late 70s. While numbers are strictly limited, some places are still available for this year.
For further information, contact Jennifer Poore.