Week 3, Term 1 – 2018
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FROM THE HEADMASTER
At Trinity, we learn lessons in many places…
Recently, I asked the boys about their favourite place to learn at Trinity. The Year 12 boys suggested that the Year 12 precinct with its airy rooms, abundance of light and welcoming ambience was their favourite place. They also mentioned the proximity to their lockers and sandwich makers as contributing factors to their decision. Some Year 8 and Year 9 boys mentioned the Centre for Business and Social Enterprise as a wonderful place to learn. They remarked that the vibrancy of the coloured walls and the variety of table heights all contributed to a great environment. I was not surprised to hear that one boy’s favourite place to learn was at Lake Eppalock at the Leppitt Camp. He suggested that it was a place where he not only learnt great lessons for himself, but where he imparted those lessons to others. A number of boys said that the Marles Fields at Bulleen was their favourite place to learn lessons. One particularly humorous student did suggest however that the air-conditioning on the tennis courts needs looking at! Another boy said the pool, another the Tudor Centre…
At Trinity, we learn many lessons in many places and we learn from many people. We learn lessons in classrooms, in the Chapel, on the fields of Bulleen, at outdoor education camps, in Beijing on our Asia experience, at Oenpelli and Arabunna, in East Africa and in the Philippines. We learn lessons on stage and behind the scenes, on the starting line and the finishing line. We learn lessons communicated in many ways, verbal and non-verbal, in languages ancient and modern, from Latin to Gen Z speak. Our boys learn lessons in preparation for life – from socialisation at the ELC and Prep, to great philosophical underpinnings that will see them through life as they enter the senior years. We learn in classrooms from teachers, in interactions with peers, in watching our groundsmen and maintenance staff care for our environment and even whilst waiting in line for the flying fox in the Junior School or in the Cafeteria at recess and lunchtime.
At Trinity, we understand that we are learning all the time; we continue to grow as people, as individuals and as a collective. It is great to be back and see our boys learning these lessons and contributing so readily to the rich, vibrant, inclusive and broad learning environment that we hold dear at Trinity.
Dr Michael Davies
Headmaster
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Authorisation
We are very pleased to announce that the Junior School is now an authorised IB World School following a visit from the International Baccalaureate Organisation in November 2017. Congratulations to the staff and students in the Junior School for their dedication and application to adopt the Primary Years Programme framework of inquiry. The programme continues to be developed in the Junior School and is present across year levels and Key Learning Areas.
The Junior School curriculum Programme of Inquiry may be viewed via myTGS here.
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Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews
Bookings for the Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews are now open via the PTO portal. Parents should use their surname as the username, and Trinity Connect number as the PIN. The interviews are scheduled to be held in the East and South Rooms of the Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts between 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February. Please contact the Junior School office if you have any queries.
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Information Evenings
Three information evenings have already been held, with a further three to take place this week. We look forward to seeing parents to confirm expectations, special events, assessment and reporting, and to meet Form Teachers. All evenings start at 7.30pm and are held in the South Room of the Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts.
- Year 10 – Tuesday 13 February
- Year 11 – Wednesday 14 February
- Year 12 – Thursday 15 February
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House Year 7 Tug of War
The annual Year 7 House Tug of War was held last Wednesday. With the support of their Year 12 leaders, the Year 7s battled against on another in their House groups for ultimate Tug of War glory. Kent Hughes prevailed in the end, but all of the Year 7 boys and House Leaders are to be congratulated on a great event.
Final results were: 1st – Kent Hughes, 2nd – Henty, 3rd – Arnold, 4th – Hindley, 5th – Merritt/Roberts (equal), 7th – Cowen, 8th – Sutton
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Chinese New Year
Celebrations for Chinese New Year begin on Friday 16 February. This is the Year of the Dog. The Co-Captain of International Students, Richard Zhang, will be explaining about Chinese New Year at assembly this week, and the cafeteria will be offering some special dishes for the day. Some Year 7 language classes are joining in the Junior School Chinese New Year Festival on Friday.
Happy Chinese New Year!
CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
What, no chocolate?!
This Wednesday, some Christians will attend church and have the sign of a cross marked on their forehead with ashes. The ‘ashes cross’ is a reminder to Christians of their need for God’s forgiveness. The Christian Church marks the 40 days following ‘Ash Wednesday’ leading up to Easter Sunday as a time known as ‘Lent’. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer – though prayer, repentance and self-denial. Christians use this time to reflect on the events leading to the death of Jesus. It is customary for Christians to give up something during Lent. The top four things people ‘gave up’ last year according to the internet were Twitter, chocolate, swearing, and alcohol.
Over the past few years, I have managed to give up coffee during Lent. It has been a big struggle at times to go without something I enjoy, but it had been challenging to think about how the loss of something has made me question my motivations and what’s important in life. I know that for many people certain times in the year like birthdays and anniversaries are reminders of far more significant losses in their lives. It’s at times like these when the support of family, friends and faith become important in helping us carry on. I hope that in this time of Lent you might take some time to be thankful for what Jesus gave up when he faced death that first Easter.
Don Stott
Junior School Chaplain
HARAMBEE NEWS
Harambee Committee
We are seeking expressions of interest from parents to join our Harambee Committee. The Committee assists with the organisation of outreach ministries at a local, national and international level. If you have a passion for social justice and want to make an impact on the lives of others please come to our first meeting on Monday 19 February from 8.00pm – 9.00pm in the Lion Room (above Senior School Reception).
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Lunch help
The Good Grub community is requesting assistance with providing lunch to people in need on a Tuesday in Kew. In particular we need cooks willing to prepare lunch on site. This could be individuals volunteering or two or three people who wish to work as a team. Mentoring would be provided and volunteering could be on one or two Tuesdays per month.
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Good Grub Pizza evening
Our first Good Grub pizza evening for the year will be held on Wednesday 21 February between 5.00pm and 6.00pm at Buoy Pizza (opposite Woolworths in Kew). Parents and students are encouraged to come along and share a meal with the Good Grub community. At the heart of this program is the opportunity to engage some of our less-fortunate locals in conversation and to give them a sense of community. For $20 we are able to purchase one pizza for ourselves and one for a Good Grub resident. This program is a great opportunity to break down the stigma associated with mental health.
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Expressions of interest for Indigenous Homestay
We are seeking expressions of interest from families to assist our boarding house family by looking after one of our indigenous students for two weekends per term. Families must be willing to commit to a cultural awareness training session, and can contact Tom Purcell, Director of Outreach, for more information.
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Sponsor a child in Uganda
Our recent immersion to Kenya and Uganda with Friends of Harambee and some of our newest Old Trinity Grammarians was an outstanding success. Walking through the slums of Masese in Uganda was challenging for all participants. The children there are forced to rummage through bins every day for reused charcoal fragments which they then sell for food. For just $60 a year you can help these children to receive an education and a daily meal. We are trying to get as many children sponsored as possible, and our Trinity staff has already sponsored over 60 children. If you would like to sponsor a child or even a number of children, please contact Tom Purcell via email to purcellt@trinity.vic.edu.au. All sponsorships are tax deductible and you will be sent the details of your sponsored child in the coming weeks.
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Pamper Day help
We are currently preparing for our yearly Women’s Pamper Day. This will be held at Highbury Grove in Kew between 11.00am and 3.00pm on Friday 20 April. We particularly require assistance from hairdressers, manicurists, massage therapists, make up artists, catering assistants and photographers. We are also collecting jewellery, handbags, unopened cosmetics, and would appreciate any vouchers as door prizes.
Donations can be left in the labelled box at Senior School Reception from early March. If you are interested in volunteering or helping out in any way, please contact Joan Healy on 0449 874 851 or via email joanmarrenhealy@gmail.com.
SPORT NEWS
It was a beautiful weekend for sport, whether at Bulleen, on the river, at Sandown (cycling) or indoors.
Well done to First Touch Football, Cricket, Table Tennis and Volleyball on their wins, and congratulations to the Junior C rowing crew who won their race at Footscray on the Maribyrnong River.
The basketballers went down on Friday night against Marcellin in a match between the two previously undefeated teams. Hopefully they will meet again in the Finals. Thank you to all the spectators who supported the team.
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Team of the Week – Seconds Basketball
Peninsula hit the ground running, immediately getting out to an early five-point lead. Each time Trinity responded, Peninsula were able to push out the margin again. A few quick, unanswered baskets from Trinity before half-time had us trailing 17 to 25.
The second half was the best half of basketball the Seconds had played all year, however, Peninsula were still able to maintain their lead. With the clock running down, Trinity scored a late basket which put the team in front by one point. Peninsula held up the ball, ready to make a final play on the buzzer, when a steal from Jordan Kotsos saved the game.
Score: Trinity 35 defeated Peninsula 34
Coach: Scott Lucas
Team Members: Louis Davidson, Avisha Wijeyaratne, Jordan Kotsos, Ryan Simmons, William Kloss, Thomas Linley, Mitchell Gillam, Lachlan McLean, Rory Fraser-Peckham, Devin O’Keefe
MUSIC NEWS
Music Lessons and Ensemble Rehearsals
Any students interested in learning a musical instrument should complete an application form. Please complete the form and return to the Music Office.
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Senior Music Camp
The 2018 Senior Music Camp will be held on Saturday 17 February to Sunday 18 February at Trinity Grammar School in the Centre for the Arts for members of Symphony Orchestra, Senior Strings, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Choir. Further information about this camp will be distributed to parents via Trinity Connect during Week 2.
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House Performing Arts Festival (HPAF)
The House Performing Arts Festival will be held at Plenary Hall, Melbourne Convention Centre on Monday 19 March 2018 (Week 8, Term 1). Tickets will be available for booking from Week 4 of Term 1. Further details regarding this event will be provided in the coming weeks.
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Trinity Friends of Music Meeting
All parents are invited to attend the first Trinity Friends of Music meeting for 2018. This meeting will held be on Wednesday 14 February at 7.30pm in CY1 of the Music Department. Please contact the Director of Music, Michelle Stanic, for more information.
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Free Music Theory / AMEB Aural / General Knowledge and VCE Aural Classes
Siegfried Franke will run the above free classes for all interested students from 7.25am to 7.55am on the following days:
- Wednesdays, Day 3: Theory in Room CY3, Music Department
- Wednesdays, Day 8: AMEB/VCE Aural in CY3, Music Department
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Afternoon Music Recitals
Students are warmly invited to perform in the 2018 Afternoon Music Recitals. Term 1 Recitals will be held on Tuesday 13 February, Thursday 1 March and Tuesday 20 March from 3.30pm – 4.00pm in Room CY4 of the Music Department. Siegfried Franke will be available to accompany students at the recital and rehearse with performers during lunchtime that day. Interested participants should contact Therese McCoppin to register their interest.
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Join a Senior School Choir
Trinity has two main choirs operating in the Senior School. The Middle School Choir is for students in Years 7 – 9 with unchanged or changing voices. This choir rehearses every Tuesday at 7.30am in CY1. The Senior Choir (previously known as Chamber Choir) is for students in Years 9 – 12 with changed voices. This choir rehearses on Mondays at 7.30am in CY4 and Wednesdays at 7.30am in CY1.
These choirs are open to all students. Incoming Year 7s are encouraged to come along and give choir a try. Older students (who perhaps want to improve their performance at HPAF) are more than welcome to join us.
For further information please contact Kevin Kelley.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Trinity Green & Gold Ball – SAVE THE DATE
This year, the Trinity Green & Gold Ball will be held on Saturday 19 May 2018. Further details will be provided over the coming weeks.
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Trinity Cafeteria
Rosters are now open for Term 1, and we hope to see some new faces in 2018! Please click here to sign up and select your preferred day.
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.
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Trinity Uniform Shop
Thanks to all our volunteers who assisted with the recent special opening days, particularly in the sweltering heat.
The Trinity Shop will be open as follows:
Thursday 15 February: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Carolyn Crouch, Julie Limmer, Janice Bland
- Sales: Libby Stobie, Elizabeth Trott, Sushil Bedi
Thursday 1 March: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Liz Beasley, Xi Gao, Leanne Larkin
- Sales: Christina Branagan, Meileen Tan, Diane Di Stefano
We are still looking for more volunteers to assist during 2018 – to find out more, please contact Susan Lane (parent volunteer) for more details.
NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parents’ Book and Poetry Groups
Tonight, the Parents’ Book Group meets at 7.00pm in the Tudor Centre. The book under review is The Dust that Falls from Dreams by Louis de Bernieres
Books for Term 1:
- Tuesday 13 March: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Poets for Term 1:
- Tuesday 6 March: Audre Lorde
- Tuesday 20 March: Carol Ann Duffy
- Tuesday 27 March: Seamus Heaney
All Poetry and Book Groups take place on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm (note the time change from 2017) in the Tudor Centre.
For information regarding these events and other details, please contact me at bantickc@trinity.vic.edu.au.
Christopher Bantick
Senior School English Teacher