Week 8, Term 2 – 2018
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FROM THE HEADMASTER
I am not great with heights. I have tried to overcome this fear on the high ropes course, by diving off the top board, even bungy jumping, but I’m still not good with heights. I know all the rational arguments about how performing simple skills on the ground are the same when you are at a height, but I am still nervous.
I watched on with awe this week as Malian man, Mamoudou Gassama, scaled four storeys of a Parisian building to save a small child who was dangling from a balcony. The courage Gassama displayed was extraordinary and he has since been rewarded with the promise of French citizenship and a job as a firefighter by President, Emmanuel Macron. It did strike me, however, that this was not the first feat of courage that Mamoudou had exhibited. As a young man he had left his homeland and travelled to Libya then onto France in the hazardous journey across the Mediterranean Sea. Mamoudou had already met extreme challenge with courage; this act of courage was far more public but, it seems to me, very much within his character.
At Trinity, we would not expect any of our boys to take on a free climb as their first experience of overcoming a fear of heights. We start with the soft-landing mats at the ELC, building to low ropes courses then high ropes courses in due time. Everyone will get there, but in incremental steps. Encouragement will be needed along the way; technical advice will be given and reassurance along the journey. We realise that to get to the highest of heights we need to start low and build up. It will require trust, an understanding that they are safe to try and fail, acknowledgement that it won’t be easy and, importantly, success will require courage from the boys.
All new activities and challenges require courage. Any physical, mental or emotional change or challenge requires the individual to take a calculated risk, to act courageously, on the sports field, in the classroom, on a stage or on camp. In a classroom environment, boys can be particularly risk averse; they don’t like making mistakes in front of their friends, but with a growth mindset they may understand that they haven’t got it right just yet. Indeed, one of the overlooked elements of growth mindset is the ability for boys to accept praise and to see it as a reward for hard work. If they do well, boys should be given plaudits for the effort they expend and their focus on the task. As Nikola Tesla wrote
‘With ideas it is like with dizzy heights you climb: At first, they cause you discomfort and you are anxious to get down, distrustful of your own powers; but soon the remoteness of the turmoil of life and the inspiring influence of the altitude calm your blood; your step gets firm and sure and you begin to look – for dizzier heights.’
With feedback, encouragement and their own courage our boys will reach for and eventually attain dizzier heights.
Michael Davies
Headmaster
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
National Reconciliation Week
Last week, we celebrated and honoured National Reconciliation Week through the theme ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery’. This week provided our students with the opportunity to learn, grow and share. We welcomed Corey Atkinson and Michael Naawi, our two Dadirri Officers, into our learning spaces to support the boys in recognising what has happened in the past and how we move forward as one.
Our week began with the boys of 2L performing a traditional dance about Australian animals choreographed by Michael as the sound of the didgeridoo filled the room. Throughout library classes, boys heard traditional Dreamtime stories, and the Prep boys enjoyed creating artwork by using Aboriginal art to inspire their paintings. All boys in the Junior School had the option to participate in a colouring competition created by some of the Senior School boys.
By all of us learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, we will be better able to share our knowledge and grow together.
Emily MacLean
Deputy Head of Junior School (Innovation and School Excellence)
Australian Boys Choral Institute
Congratulations to Alex He from Year 3 who was recently promoted to the rank of Tyro within the Australian Boys’ Choral Institute’s choir training program. This is a very special achievement as only a small number of places are offered at this level.
Richmond FC Clinic
Once again the Richmond Football Club sent some of their players to visit our school and participate in a short clinic followed by a brief discussion about personal growth and wellbeing. Their key message to the boys focused around the following points – Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness – all key components to help develop Resilience. For the two lucky classes – 5MT and 5S the excitement created by our visitors allowed them a brief time to show their skills to these AFL stars. These annual visits are a invaluable way for our boys to share some time with these powerful role models.
David Ponsford
Director of Junior School Sport and Cocurricular Activities
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Sports Training
Normal sport training has been scheduled for the next few weeks; however, with no games over the long weekend, nor any games on 23 or 30 June, it is likely that some training sessions will be cancelled. Most training sessions will proceed as usual, but please keep an eye out for emails from coaches. Boys are expected to train during examination periods.
Trinity-Ruyton Musical: The Wiz
This year’s musical will be hosted by Ruyton. Rehearsals are well underway, with the show – The Wiz – premiering on Thursday 19 July. Performances will be at the Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre, Xavier College until Saturday 21 July. Tickets will go on sale soon.
Mid-Year Examinations
The Year 11 examinations begin on Wednesday 6 June and conclude on Friday 15 June. Year 9 and 10 exams begin on Friday 15 June and conclude on Friday 22 June. The VCAA GAT examination is held on Wednesday 13 June.
Da Vinci Decathlon State Championships
Congratulations to the Year 8 Da Vinci Decathlon team (Oliver de Stefanis, Sam La Gamba, David Fang, Alec Drake, Lorenzo Ryan, Jonty Fewster, Aden Wilmshurst, Olek Beavis) who won the State Final last week. They now head to Sydney to compete at the National Finals during the first week of the upcoming holidays.
Commerce Faculty Colloquium – Wednesday 6 June 2018
This year’s Commerce Faculty Colloquium will be held in Arnold Hall on Wednesday 6 June from 6.30pm-8.00pm. Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm onwards.
Students and parents will have an opportunity to ask each presenter about their careers and study paths after the final presentation.
Program:
- The role of entrepreneurs in the age of digital disruption – Con Coustas (OTG 1978), small business owner
- Building social cohesion: addressing negative perceptions and raising public awareness about refugees, their journey and contributions to Australia – Lizzy Kuoth, Refugee Educator and Multicultural Officer
- Dual citizenship, the Constitution, and the role of the High Court in the 21st Century – The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Member for Menzies
- Access to justice, the role of a magistrate, and responding to youth crime – Mr Julian Ayres, Magistrate
- Becoming a republic could solve the Australia Day dispute – The Hon John Pesutto MP, Shadow Attorney-General for the State of Victoria, Member for Hawthorn
All are welcome to attend. Please contact Darren Sellers, Head of Commerce, for further information.
Congratulations
In a recent Hackathon challenge held by the Victoria State Emergency Service, a Swinburne University team led by Andreas Ioannidis (OTG 2013) took out first place. This is the first time a university team has won the prestigious Motorola Solutions Hackathon. A full report about the event and the app designed by the winning team can be read by clicking here.
Andreas is currently studying programming at Swinburne University and works part-time for the Trinity IT faculty where he assists students in programming classes.
Hawaiian Basketball Tour 2018
This year’s tour will take place from Thursday 13 December until Monday 24 December, and includes the excitement of the World Youth Basketball Tournament at Kona, three games in Honolulu, an historic tour of Pearl Harbour, breathtaking snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, and a tour of the active volcanoes on the big island.
There is still one place available for a boy in Year 9, 10 or 11. If you are interested in finding out more information about the tour, please contact Chris McLean, Teacher in Charge.
Snowsports Information Evening
On Tuesday 12 June at 7.00pm an information evening will be held for families currently involved with or interested in joining the Trinity Snowsports team.
It will be an informal event with a brief introduction to the program, as well as some preparatory information for the annual Interschools competition at Mt Buller in August.
Parents and students from both the Junior and Senior Schools are welcome. Should you be interested in attending, please contact Tim Bence, Teacher-in-Charge of Snowsports.
CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
The Secret of Contentment
Often when I’m feeling weary and in need of refreshment I turn to the Bible’s songbook, the Psalms, for words of inspiration, encouragement, and advice. In addition to reading my ‘old favourites’, I dip into a daily devotional based on the Psalms by Tim and Kathy Keller titled, ‘My Rock and my Refuge’. Each day there is an excerpt of a Psalm, a snippet of wisdom with a reflection and a short prayer. You can imagine my joy this morning when I read from Psalm 69, ‘Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink into the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.’ Indeed, I laughed out loud knowing this is exactly how I am feeling at the moment with piles of marking and reports to write. Still, the words of the Psalmist teach us several valuable lessons.
To begin, there is a God we can cry out to in times of need, a God who hears our pleas for help and who answers us. More than that, we have a God who saves. Too often I know I deserve to sink into the miry depths, with only myself to blame. Yet, the good news is, the God of the Bible is not only loving, he is gracious and merciful and has made a way possible for us to be made right with him, through faith in the finished work of his Son, Jesus. The hard work and heavy lifting has been done. All that is required of us, is to learn the humility of complete dependence and trust – not in ourselves, for that will fail, but in the finished work of God’s salvation through his Son.
Returning now to that pile of marking and reports! In the end, it’s about perspective and the words of Scripture still ring true. Knowing God ‘has my back’ and his promise of salvation is secure, ‘I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… (and) I can do all things through him who gives me strength.’ (Philippians 4:12-13). The ‘learned’ secret of contentment is that of growing in humble dependence on God, in any and every situation, to supply all our needs.
Rev’d Geoff Everett
Assistant Chaplain and Head of Religious Education
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Cafeteria – Volunteers Needed!
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 7 June: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Carolyn Crouch, Leanne Larkin, Deborah Hunt
- Sales: Libby Stobie, Elizabeth Trott, Catriona Wells
Thursday 21 June: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Pricing: Liz Beasley, Diane DiStefano, Kate Jennings
- Sales: Monica Zhou, Yanxia Gu, Juli Moran
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Farewell to Dr Michael Davies and family
The Chair of School Council warmly invites you to a special cocktail function to farewell Dr Michael Davies and his family, and to celebrate his contribution to Trinity Grammar School as our tenth Headmaster.
Date: Monday 18 June 2018
Time: 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Venue: Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts
Click here to confirm your attendance
RSVP: by Wednesday 13 June 2018
Enquiries: Sharlene Mik, Events Manager
Year 11 Parents
You are invited to join us for morning tea in support of the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Date: Wednesday 6 June
Time: 8.30am to 10.30am
Venue: Hudson House, 53 Wellington St, Kew
RSVP: justineforge@hotmail.com
Please contact your Class Reps should you have any queries or dietary requirements.
Year 12 Parents
Come and join us for a warming winter lunch and celebrate the half way mark!
Date: Friday 29 June at 12.30pm
Where: Centonove, 109 Cotham Rd, Kew
Cost: $47.50 includes canapes, Main (with sides) and Dessert plus glass of wine
Places are limited to 44, so get in early and click here to book.
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NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parents’ Book and Poetry Groups
Book and Poetry Groups will now meet at 6.30pm in the Tudor Centre for the remainder of this term. There will be no groups on Tuesday 5 June or Tuesday 19 June.
Book Group:
- Tuesday 12 June: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
- Tuesday 26 June: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
For information regarding these events and other details, please contact Christopher Bantick.
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