Week 3, Term 2 – 2018
MENU: Editorial | From the ELC | Junior School | Senior School | Chaplain’s Chat | Music News | Community Relations | Notices and Announcements
FROM THE HEADMASTER
‘I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.’
– Abraham Lincoln
Last weekend, I was at a playground at Albert Park Lake with Olivia, our youngest child. Some people ambled in the sunshine, others were running around the lake; there were rowers and sailors, and a cacophony of noise from the children playing on and around the swings, slides and monkey bars. As the afternoon drew to a close the number of families dwindled until all that was left was the small Davies cohort and two families who had spent the day together enjoying what seemed to be an absolute feast spread out over three large, colourful blankets next to the playground. From the ease of their interaction, the good-natured pilfering of each other’s snacks and the endless games of chase, where the eldest children allowed the youngest to win, this was obviously an extended family group. I was intrigued to watch, as dusk started to descend and shadows lengthened, that the two dads cleared the belongings, took all the children seven or eight from my counting to the cars, and left the mums in peace to gather their thoughts. As the howls of protest at leaving the park from the youngest children faded into the background, the two mothers knelt, composed themselves and faced the west. Then they prayed. They took their time; they were careful and graceful in their actions and finished, calm and composed as they re-joined their families for the inevitable hubbub of the drive home.
As I look forward to Mother’s Day, I have in my mind the image of these devoted mothers taking time to, perhaps, give thanks for the gift of their families. I have images of the dads, conscious of giving their wives time for themselves, and images of a family being conscious of each other’s needs. We have many families at Trinity, of different faiths, of many different compositions, and I will give thanks this weekend for the carers in our families, for those who care deeply for children, for those whose devotion to their family is unwavering. I will think of my own mother and of those in our community who have lost their mothers, and I hope all our boys make time to thank those who care for them most deeply. This is a time to recognise the extraordinary role that women play in our lives from the very start, and in our communities as a whole. It is a time to show our respect and perhaps, remember the words of Mary Ann Evans (English novelist and poet who wrote as George Eliot) ‘Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.’
Michael Davies
Headmaster
FROM THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
This week, invitations have been sent home inviting all mums to the ELC Mother’s Day Breakfasts on Thursday 10 May and Friday 11 May. The children will be very busy making secret presents during the next two weeks and we know they will enjoy sharing these with their special visitors. We hope you can come even for a short time.
The Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast this Friday is another event that some ELC mums will be attending so please enjoy these celebrations – as well as Mother’s Day itself.
Parent Help rosters for all groups are now on display in our foyer and we would welcome any involvement from parents and/or grandparents. The children love sharing time with you and it is an excellent opportunity to observe your child interacting with their friends and being actively engaged in a wide range of experiences.
Genevieve Read
Director of the ELC
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Last week, Dr Kevin Donnelly, a senior research fellow at the Australian Catholic University, wrote an article in The Age newspaper entitled ‘Child-led learning has dragged Australia down’. The article may be read here.
Dr Donnelly made sweeping statements about how children learn in the current educational landscape, and he took particular aim at constructivism and inquiry-based learning. Dr Donnelly’s main conjecture implies that students are left to their own devices, that academic rigour is no longer present in classrooms, and that students learn best only when teachers impart all knowledge to them.
This article would have more credibility if Dr Donnelly gave some reference to the research to verify his claims. Indeed, his description of constructivism as a theory of learning is scant at best, sensationalist at worst.
The Junior School was authorised as an IB World School last year, and the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is underpinned by constructivism and inquiry-based learning. A significant aspect of the PYP is the horizontal and vertical planning present in the school from ELC to Year 6. The Junior School’s Programme of Inquiry can be viewed here.
According to the IB, constructivism is ‘the process of connecting students’ background knowledge and conceptions with new experiences and understandings. Through this connection, students construct meaning in both the subject matter and their lives’. Further reading regarding this definition may be accessed here.
As a brief example of constructivism, what better way to teach students about writing than to present samples of different styles and types of writing, and ask students the pertinent questions ‘What makes a piece of writing great?’ and ‘What do great writers do?’. This type of analysis and inquiry leads to significant understanding, something which is rarely achieved if the process is teacher-directed and delivered to the student on a plate. Each student is expected to write using what they have learnt, to self-assess and peer evaluate their responses. Teacher input into the process is meticulous and benchmarked against state, national and school standards.
The entire theory of constructivism relies on teachers directing students to what is essential for them to learn. Careful planning, coupled with engaging inquiry, and reviewed with relevant and rigorous assessment, leads to significant understanding of what is essential for our boys to learn.
Michael Pettolino
Deputy Head of Junior School (Curriculum and PYP Coordinator)
SSV State Swimming Carnival 2018
On Wednesday 18 April, Allan Liang, Charles White, William Ball and Jayden Berti competed at the SSV State Swimming Carnival at MSAC. The following results were achieved:
- Allan Liang: 1st – 50m Butterfly, 1st – 50m Backstroke
- Allan Liang, Charles White, William Ball and Jayden Berti: 2nd – 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay.
Overall the boys achieved some wonderful results.
David Ponsford
Junior School Director of Sport and Cocurricular Activities
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
String Concert
Last Friday, the String players performed their annual concert in the James Tatoulis Auditorium at Methodist Ladies’ College. It was a wonderful night with over 180 string players from ELC – Year 12 performing in small groups. The finale, Pachelbel’s Canon, saw most of them on stage at the one time. Congratulations to soloist Zac Sumarno (viola), Michael Pannier (harp), George Mildred-Short (Captain of Music) and the Music Staff, in particular, Mrs Thérèse McCoppin.
Captains of Winter Sport
- Cross Country: Sam Port (C), Tom Sellwood and Will Lindsay (VCs)
- Fencing: Hugh Wirtz and Ethan Edge (Co-Captains)
- Football: Ben Curtain (C), Jack Lefroy (VC)
- Futsal: Cameron Thannhauser (C), Will Cameron and George Mildred-Short (VCs)
- Hockey: Tom Cohen (C), Dillon Waldron-Clark (VC)
- Kayaking: Christopher Burns (C)
- Rugby: Oliver Arrowsmith (C), Lucas Niedzwiecki (VC)
- Soccer: Dominic Cataldo (C), Callum Deed (VC)
- Taekwondo: Ryan Lokusooriya and Nicolas Mourtikas (Co-Capt)
- Winter Tennis: Ben Oliver (C), Charles Shen (VC)
The first full round of Winter Sport begins this Saturday. Good luck to all boys and coaches.
Weekend Sport Report
The Soccer First XI played their first game – against Marcellin, under lights – last Friday night. The result, a three-all draw, means Trinity retains the Bulleen Cup. Aidan Farquhar scored two goals.
In rugby, the First XV had a very strong win against Melbourne Grammar in the Headmasters’ Trophy game at Bulleen. Well done to the multiple try scorers and also the forwards who were in control all game. All the Junior Rugby teams also started with wins.
Congratulations
- Gordon Li (Year 7) who won Bronze in the U13 Fencing at the State Championships
- Robinson Zhang (Year 7) who won Gold in the U13 Fencing
- Harry Bland (Year 9) who has been chosen by the Victorian Schools’ Rugby Union to represent the state in the end-of-year rugby tour to Europe.
- Aidan Browne (Year 9) finished sixth overall at the Victorian Gymnastics Competition last weekend, with two third places in the Floor and High Bar
- Liam Henderson (Year 9) who captained the U15 Blue State Hockey team, which finished fourth in the Nationals
- Tom Grant (Year 10) who won Gold in the Level 7 Pommel Horse at the Victorian Gymnastics Competition last weekend
Year 8 Castle Competition
In recent weeks, the Year 8 students have been studying Medieval Europe. As a part of their study, they have researched Medieval castles, and they have done an excellent job of building model castles for a school competition. In coming weeks, their castles will be on display in the Tudor Centre.
CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
Am I Moving Too Fast?
In today’s world we seem to be running faster than ever, trying to do it all and have it all, or at least avoiding being run down from behind. According to TIME magazine, we’re smack in the middle of a ‘time famine’ and no one has any idea of when it will end. Who knows? Time may end first. Meanwhile, life seems set on ‘fast lane’ and we don’t dare slow down.
We dash through life and our daily routines seem to allow little or no time for God in our busy lives. I believe, however, that God is never left behind. In fact, He is far ahead of us. The only way we may ever catch up is to learn to slow down, live in the moment, and focus on the ‘one thing’ that is truly necessary. That ‘one thing’ is a quietness of our souls which Henri Nouwen calls ‘moving to the center, where all other things fall into place’.
Don Stott
Junior School Chaplain
MUSIC NEWS
2018 String Concert
Congratulations to the members of the Suzuki Ensemble, the Stringlets, the Stringers, the Double Bass Ensemble, Marles String Orchestra, Trinity Strings and Senior Strings who all performed at the Annual Strings Concert last Friday night. It was a wonderful concert for the 180 students from ELC to Year 12 who participated. Thank you also to the MLC Music Department who generously supported the Trinity students with regards to use of equipment.
Generations in Jazz – Mt Gambier Tour
Over 40 students representing the Trinity Grammar Big Band, Stage Band and GIJ Vocal Ensemble will set off for the 2018 Generations in Jazz competition to be held at Mt Gambier this weekend (Friday 4 May until Sunday 6 May). This is a national jazz competition of students representing schools across Australia. We wish them all the very best.
Music Scholars’ Concert
Eleven of Trinity’s finest musicians will perform at the Music Scholars’ Concert on Wednesday 9 May in the South Room at 7.30pm. All TGS staff, students, families and friends are warmly invited to attend. No tickets are required.
Term 2 Music Recitals
Students are warmly invited to perform in Term 2 recitals to be held on Thursday 10 May, Thursday 31 May, or Tuesday 12 June. Siegfried Franke will be available to accompany students at the recital and rehearse with performers during lunchtime that day. Interested participants should contact Thérèse McCoppin or email mccoppint@trinity.vic.edu.au to register their interest.
Extravaganza Concert 2018
On Monday 14 May at 7.30pm, 215 students will participate in the Extravaganza Concert in the Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre at Xavier College. The Symphony Orchestra, Senior Strings, Trinity Strings, Suzuki Strings, Intermediate Mitre Band, Senior Choir, Middle School Choir and Symphonic Wind will all perform. Parents, siblings, family and friends are all warmly invited to attend. Seating is free of charge but must be booked, and tickets can be purchased from Wednesday 3 May by clicking here.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Trinity Ball
Don’t miss out on the 2018 Trinity Ball – tickets are selling fast and bookings will close soon!
Click here and follow the prompts to book your tickets!
Date: Saturday 19 May 2018
Time: 7.00pm arrival, drinks and canapés served, 7.30pm doors open to the reception
Venue: The Glasshouse, Olympic Boulevard
Dress Code: Formal
Price: $195.00
Guests will enjoy a delicious three-course meal from The Big Group’s autumn menu, as well as wine, beer, Champagne and non-alcoholic beverages. An open bar will also be operating for those wishing to purchase spirits.
- Master of Ceremonies – Peter Rowsthorn (OTG 1980) from Kath and Kim, and more recently I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, will be our MC for the night. Get ready for lots of laughs and light-hearted fun.
- Angela Librandi and Band – Angela has sung with many well-known international stars such as Renee Geyer, Jessica Mauboy, Jimmy Barnes, and, most recently Hugh Jackman. Angela and her band are sure to keep us dancing all night with her unique blend of RnB and Jazz. ‘DJ Wills on the Sax’ (OTG2015) will get the party started.
- Raffle and Live Auction – We will have a few unique live auction items and some amazing prizes in the raffle. The live auction and the raffle are open only to those who attend the ball.
Parking is available at Melbourne Park and you can pre-book at a discounted rate by clicking here.
Early Bird Ball Bookings – Week 2 Prizes
This week our early bird booking prizes go to: Anastasia Morritt, Sharon Johns, Frank Guarino, Glenn McPherson, Lily Nguyen, Di Semmens, David Thatcher, Kim McCormack, Narelle Keen and Donna Roach. Your prize is available for collection from Hudson House.
If you have any questions, please contact our Ball convenors:
- Sarah Makris – sarahmakris@gmail.com and Anna Wells-Jansz – awellsjansz@icloud.com (Green & Gold Committee Parent Volunteers)
- Sharon Kendall – kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au (Trinity Representative)
Trinity Cafeteria – Volunteers Needed!
Please consider volunteering for the café. 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 10 May: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Carolyn Crouch, Lisa Torrance, Janice Bland
- Sales: Fiona Griffiths, Meileen Tan, Julie Limmer
Thursday 24 May: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Liz Beasley, Sushil Bedi, Christina Branagan
- Sales: Kathy Pang, Robyn Walker, Jenny Bennett, Jane King
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Year 2 Mother’s Day Dinner
Please join us for a dinner to celebrate Mother’s Day on Saturday 5 May at Osteria 20, 7.00pm. Click here to book your place. We look forward to seeing you there!
NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Arabunna Tour
The 2018 Arabunna Tour will take place from Friday 14 September until Sunday 23 September.
This 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 people.
Trinity’s long-standing relationship 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 the country, his people’s history and culture.
The tour is open to everyone – individuals, students, children, families, or parts of families.
An Arabunna Information Evening will be held in the West Room of the Centre for the Arts, at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8 May. Information flyers, including costs, are available from Jennifer Poore via email to poorej@trinity.vic.edu.au.
Parents’ Book and Poetry Groups
Tonight, the Parents’ Poetry Group meets in the Tudor Centre between 7.00pm and 8.00pm. The poet under discussion is Edward Thomas.
For information regarding these events and other details, please contact Christopher Bantick via email to bantickc@trinity.vic.edu.au.