OLD BOYS RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM

Approximately 40 Golden Heritage Club members ranging from the Class of 1949 to the Class of 1971 went ‘Back to the Classroom’ to be interviewed by Year 6 students. This gathering is always a highlight on the Junior School calendar and a wonderful opportunity for Old Boys to share personal stories of their school days, even if slightly embellished for the occasion, with some bringing old photos and memorabilia to show students. In turn, Year 6s enthusiastically told the older gents what life is like in classrooms today.

A bond between Old Boys and the young students was established easily as they engaged in conversation. Year 6s were delighted and astonished hearing what school was like 50 years ago and Old Boys were astounded at the endless opportunities available to students at Trinity College today.

After the interviews, students walked with their new buddies to Gibney Hall, where the conversation continued over lunch before the commencement of the Junior School assembly. Following the award presentation, special guest Peter Torre (’89) spoke about the history of this great College and the meaning of each crest that hangs on the walls in Gibney Hall and how they have evolved over the years.

Students then walked the House flags: Chanel, Campion, Queens and Xavier to the stage before Old Boys were invited to the stage to get ‘high-fived’ as they walked through the crowd of students. All this was topped off with a war cry, which brought the house down!

When the Old Boys headed home, the Year 6 boys set about writing to their new ‘old’ friends, thanking them for the time spent with them. Here are some excerpts from their letters: I learnt that you didn’t have computers, you had black boards and paper.

Luis Randall (6W)

You showed me what buildings were like at Trinity when it was new, compared to what it looks like now. It was cool seeing how much bigger Trinity got over 60 years.

Kobe-Jackson Peppin (6G)

I found it super interesting that you were in the Navy cadets.

Archie Blatchley (6G)

I was absolutely shocked about how much information you were able to give me about TC in the past. I remember you saying that you used to do shooting practice and marching practice, also how you were able to bring back your gun on the bus. The main thing that I am still shocked about to this day is how you didn’t need a gun license.

Tace Rankin (6B)

I learnt that during the war people would carry rifles on the bus and be dressed up in army clothes. Your graduating year was 1958 and mine will be 2028.

Will Bavington (6G)

It is fascinating that just 70 years ago people were riding horses to school.

Gabriel Sceresini (6W)

You wore a safari helmet during summer and shorts, long socks and a grey blazer. You also had a punishment that was the strap and you had 65 students in one class.

Chase Barnett (6W)

We sincerely thank our wonderful Old Boys for ‘returning to the classroom’. Also, thank you to our Year 6 students; Acting Head of Junior School, Ms Evelyn Temmen; Junior School teachers, Mr Bernard Le Tessier, Mr Alex Paljetak (’03), Mr Luke Thompson, Mrs Michelle Rogers, Ms Johanna Stalley and the entire Junior School staff. Also, a huge thanks goes to Peter Torre (’89) for his commitment and dedication in teaching our young men the history of this great College – we all appreciate the depth of your TC Spirit. We also thank all Trinity staff who assisted with this event.