The Trinity Grammarian - Autumn Edition 2024

GRAMMARIAN THE TRINITY

AUTUMN EDITION 2024

Watch our Acknowledgement of Country video

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways on which we gather as Trinity. We recognise the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and acknowledge their continuing connection to these lands. We pay our respects to their elders – past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that teaching and learning have been happening on these lands for thousands of years.

The night sky above Mount Donna Buang during the Year 5 camp at Warburton

CONTACT US

Editorial communications@trinity.vic.edu.au

Alumni otg@trinity.vic.edu.au

Admissions admissions@trinity.vic.edu.au

CONNECT

W: trinity.vic.edu.au IG: @trinitygrammarkew OTGO: otgonline.net

Welcome back!

You might notice The Grammarian looks a little different this edition!

Learn more about our brand alignment project by scanning the QR code

EDITORIAL TEAM

Hannah Clifton Editor

Jamie Spassopoulos (OTG 2012) Designer

Sharon Kendall Alumni Coordinator

Felicity Quilty Content Coordinator

UPCOMING EVENTS

Trinity Green and Gold Ball Saturday 25 May

Community Giving Day Tuesday 12 June

OTGA Community Breakfast Friday 23 August

Founders’ Day Fair Saturday 16 November

CONTENTS

6. Principal’s message

8. Captain’s Induction

10. Student artwork

12. Community profiles

14. ELC to Prep transition

16. School life snapshots

18. VCE Results

20. Staff reflection

22. Parents’ Association

24. Masterplan

26. Inspiring community engagement

28. Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association

30. Gold Mitre Lunch

32. Reunions and events

34. Feature interview with Kirk Docker

36. OTGA Clubs

38. News of Old Trinity Grammarians

40. In Memoriam

42. Archives

44. Student Insider

Front cover: The Founders’ Day Fair 120-year anniversary commemorative light show illuminates the Kew campus.

There is more in you than you think

Adrian Farrer Principal

There is great value in stepping

outside your comfort zone. When I was in Year 10 at my school I enjoyed an Outdoor Education experience called Outward Bound. While it was some years ago, the learning of the expedition remains with me today and I am grateful for it. It is one of the key experiences that has launched me into many years of bushwalking, camping and other adventure style activities. I also recognise a great deal of what we do at Trinity in the principles of our Outdoor Education and Personal Development programs. There really are many opportunities for our students to engage with and learn from our program, not least of which is learning about themselves.

Kurt Hanh is the famous educator whose achievements included being the founder of Outward Bound. It was through this vehicle and others that he tackled some of the gaps as he saw them in education at the time. He worried about the isolationist version of success, whereby a single student claimed honour, and instead

looked to find ways for every student to succeed, and - just as importantly in his estimations - fail. The importance of failure was to teach children how to persevere when things got tough.

“It is possible to wait on a child’s inclinations and gifts and arrange carefully for an unbroken series of successes,” he said. “You may make him or her happy that way, but you certainly cripple him for the battle of life. It is our business to plunge the children into enterprises in which they are likely to fail, and we may not hush up that failure.”

I saw these carefully crafted experiential scenarios when I recently visited our Year 8 Camp on the Banksia Peninsula. To see students at the helm of a large sailing vessel or coming off the “hardest hike” they had ever done was a privilege, as I was witnessing them step out of their comfort zone and risking failure. It was the same at our Year 4 Camp near Foster as some of our smaller students stared down their fears and flew over the top of a

big lake on an intimidating flying fox. As I write we are amidst our camping and Work Experience programs at Year 10. Amazing opportunities exist for these senior students across Australia and close to home. We look forward to the Outward Bound like Year 9 program in the coming months and to the various other adventures in other year levels ahead. It is a rich offering indeed and complements the different, but similarly important experiences provided by having to get on stage and perform at HPAF and striving to win a cricket or tennis premiership, for instance (read about these achievements later in this edition!).

Principal, Adrian Farrer, with Year 12 student leaders

It seems counter-intuitive to seek failure, but any student’s years at school will certainly be marked by challenges and indeed they should. There are always bumps and bruises along the way in life, and we do our young people a disservice if we cushion them from disappointment and failure across their pursuits. We are fortunate to have a warmth to our school community that reflects the investment and aspiration that we share with each other, but it does not, and should not, make us immune from the world’s realities.

As such, and in the stirring words of Charlie White our School Captain, we should “be bold” and step outside our

comfort zone as a school. The school’s new Masterplan vision does just that, describing as it does an aspirational and innovative future for the physical environment of our school for many years to come. After a thorough period of consultation, we have created an approach that seeks to reflect our history conscious, future focused view of Trinity. You can read more about our plans in this edition.

In 1934, Kurt Hahn started the now famous Gordonstoun School in England. It is well understood that Hahn wanted to create a school where students would do things, not listen to stern teachers lecture. It would be a school designed to help children

“ We are fortunate to have a warmth to our school community that reflects the investment and aspiration that we share with each other

“

discover their interests and passions, not just prepare them for tests. That description of a school sounds very familiar to our school on the hill in Kew!

Similar in tone to our Viriliter Agite: Act Courageously, the Gordonstoun school motto proclaims Plus est en Vous: There is more in you (than you think). This year is well underway and the opportunities for students and staff to step out of their comfort zones have already been plenty. There will be many more Trinity authored opportunities for them to risk failure, to act with courage by doing so, and to discover that there is more in them than they think.

Evolving to become the leaders we aspire to be

Leadership at Trinity takes many forms; one being the formal captaincy roles available to our Year 6 and Year 12 students.

At our Year 6 Captains Induction Service at the commencement of the year, our Year 6 students were privileged to hear from those who had come before them, including Year 12 student leader, Oliver Brown.

Year 6 Captains Fletcher Curry, Sam Rooke and James Moutsios

EXCERPT FROM A SPEECH AT THE

Junior School Captains Induction Service

Oliver Brown

Kent Hughes Vice House Captain / Co-Captain of Faith and Outreach

I started my journey a while back in 2012, when I began at Trinity Grammar School in Prep.

During my time in Junior School, I know some of the teachers here today can attest that I wasn’t always the best student. On top of that, I had some learning challenges due to hearing issues. I had 11 ear operations in those early years, missing a bunch of class time.

Not too long ago, I was right where some of you are, frustrated that I didn’t get a major role.

But, if I could talk to my past self, I’d say this, “Don’t dwell on the disappointments. It’s what you do now that counts.”

Leadership isn’t an inherent trait; it’s a skill developed through experience and learning. Every opportunity, whether big or small, is a chance to hone your leadership skills.

As the saying goes, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So, seize every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s leading a project, joining a club, or volunteering for a cause, each experience contributes to your growth as a leader.

Embrace the journey, learn from each opportunity, and continue to evolve into the leader you aspire to be. Your time at Trinity is a chapter in your leadership story, and the choices you make now will shape the narrative.

For those who didn’t get the roles they wanted, it’s okay to be disappointed, but your actions now shape your time at Trinity.

Don’t sit back; instead, aim for the next opportunity with a positive mindset. Channel that energy into striving for the next chance with a positive mindset.

Every experience, whether success or setback, is a stepping stone in your journey. Approach the next opportunity with renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to giving it your best shot.

The ability to bounce back and stay optimistic is a valuable skill that will serve you well beyond your time here at Trinity.

And for those who got major roles, congratulations! Be proud, but remember: it’s just the beginning.

Aim to leave a legacy and be ready for what comes next.

Year 9 Art students were challenged to handdraw and design a "paste-up" that could interact with the existing architecture or its surrounding environment.

These artworks were temporarily installed around the cafeteria, on the brickwork and outside the gym at Trinity Grammar School.

ARTWORK BY Archer Jacobsen

Tell us about a time that...

YOU STEPPED OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

We asked four members of the Trinity community to respond

With studio photography by Year 10 students Tristan Bogdanich and Ahilan Sudheshan

The brief was to capture an image of their subject in conversation while seated in a relaxed seated position. Subjects were treated with a strong highlight to one side of the face and highlights on the hair. Lighting was to provide an overall warm golden colour while providing a spotlit green backdrop to reflect the Trinity connection.

Trinity student

Before I knew it, I was sitting in a kayak in Denmark on the starting line next to 32 other doubles from 32 different countries. The faint whirr of the drones lay overhead while the flashes of the cameras flickered in front of us. Then the chaos of that U18 Men’s K2 race began to unfold.

Four boats had fallen in off the starting line, and another three would pull out later in the race due to boat malfunctions. The hour and a half of that race was a blur, largely due to the lack of oxygen that was reaching my brain. But we pushed on, and suddenly the race was over.

26 people were sitting at home in my house, family, friends from school, and even Mr Daley had all shown up to watch the livestream. That was one of the happiest moments I had ever felt. I never realised just how much my friends and family meant to me.

Despite not standing upon the podium, I had learnt an astounding amount that would go on to affect who I am and who I would become as a person.

Trinity staff

Standing in the wilderness of southwestern Tasmania on day 10 of a 14-day hike, hearing my mum’s terminal diagnosis as mum of two little people myself, and feeling nerv-cited to sing alongside an opera singer, for me share a commonality of discomfort. Sometimes we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone because we choose to dabble with challenge, sometimes we are there because adversity finds us.

Both experiences remind me of the strength in being aware of what we can influence, accepting what we can’t influence and to invest energy in what is helpful. The “onefoot-raised” moments we choose or that choose us; either in the wilderness, a hospital or on stage, have helped me discover a golden thread that constantly supports and equally encourages me.

These moments have built confidence that compounds, humility that calms and a zest to dream wild to make choices that reflect what I value.

LACHLAN DAL SASSO

LAUREN BORSCHMANN

Trinity parent

People are often surprised to learn I experience social anxiety. I’ve flown in hot-air balloons and launched out of planes to sky-dive but my real danger or discomfort zone is speaking in public.

Learning to share my vulnerability with an audience, that I might lose my voice or freeze, creates a shared comfort zone for me to emerge. Often, an audience member contacts me expressing gratitude for my courage since they too, like many others, also struggle with social anxiety.

I think it’s the sharing of accessibility and vulnerability that makes the difference.

At Trinity, I’ve witnessed with the new parent Class Representatives that sharing and being vulnerable is the way to be strong. Because just like our children, we’re all facing different and yet similar challenges.

Stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to embrace new experiences, foster personal growth, and collectively become better individuals, creating a stronger and more connected community.

Like many of my classmates, I joined the forces (in my case the Air Force) soon after I left school and began training for WWII overseas deployment.

It’s hard to imagine the training conditions as we camped out in the muddy MCG during the bitter cold of a Melbourne winter. In those days the drainage was nowhere near the level of today and our camp cots and army issue blankets were barely adequate.

I drew on the lessons I had learned at Trinity and strove to set an example of cheerfulness and encouragement. We all knew why we were there, and we knew that this was just a foretaste of the challenge and hardship we were about to face in the near future.

I was one of the lucky ones who came back from the war, and once again I drew on those same attributes as I returned to civilian life. I pursued a successful career in accountancy and raised a family.

I have found over and over that cheerfulness, loyalty, and mutual support have stood me in good stead and enabled me to face all the challenges that life brings in a rapidly changing world.

DR SABINA LUNJA

ALAN FOOKES (OTG 1942) Trinity alumnus

Preparing for Prep

Dr Kieran McCrohan Head of Junior School

The transition from Kindergarten to Prep is one of the greatest educational milestones that students make.

The Murray E Verso Centre for Early Childhood Learning at Trinity Grammar School is a learning space that invites the natural curiosity of our students to lead them in play. The idea that students “learn through play” recognises that our children’s engagement with the world around them and the people in it, offers the best educational experience for them.

Whilst this philosophical premise exists throughout schooling and students will continue to experience developmental play, when students begin Prep their learning will become more formalised as they engage in teacher directed activities around core literacy, numeracy and unit of inquiry themes.

The biggest adjustment for our youngest students is they are expected to focus and concentrate for longer periods of time to meet the new demands in their learning. It is at this point that parents typically begin to ask the question, “Is my child school ready?”.

Being physically situated within the Junior School, ELC students have many opportunities to be immersed in school life before commencing Prep.

• From Term 3, Prep teachers visit the ELC and share stories and spend time with students, helping them to form connections and build rapport

• Prep students write letters to ELC 4 students sharing their experience, helping students formulate questions and imagine what it will be like in Prep

• ELC students visit and spend regular time in the Roberts House (Prep and Year 1) playground, familiarising themselves with the area

• Throughout Term 4, our prospective Prep students are invited into the classroom and experience what it is like to be a Prep student in readiness for the following year

Here, they experience the more formal structure of a Prep classroom and are directed to complete tasks set by the teacher. This is one of the major adjustments our students need to make as they move from a fully playbased environment to a more structured one.

Parents of incoming Prep students are also invited to a dedicated Information Session. The purpose of this session is to provide parents with an overview of the Prep program, along with pertinent information around uniform, lunches, reading routines, pick-up and drop-off times and what to expect from their child in the first month of schooling.

Near the completion of the school year, the ELC and Prep teachers conduct a handover session where all the ELC teachers can pass on information about each child’s social, emotional and learning needs. Such information helps to construct the class lists to ensure there are a balance of needs and personalities across each class.

In doing so, we hope to set every child up for a successful start to their schooling.

Getting ready for school

Emotional regulation, building fine and gross motor skills, and creating an awareness of letters, numbers, sounds and symbols are just some of the ways we help students prepare for Prep.

Knowing how to share and take turns, hold a pen and sit at a table for lunch make the transition just that little bit easier when the time comes.

Trinity Early Learning Centre students

Thomas Dwyer and Eddie He

AGSV Cricket & Tennis Premierships

SEASON 2023/2024

After tight competition across the AGSV summer season, our 1st XI Cricket and 1st Tennis teams secured respective premiership titles for the 2023/2024 season.

Our 1st Tennis team claimed the title after winning doubles five sets to three, and singles 10 sets to six against Camberwell Grammar, while the 1st XI Cricket team were victorious against Marcellin College, winning by two wickets.

ARTWORK BY Ketan Porwal

VCE Results

We are proud of all our 2023 graduates and it’s interesting to already receive insights from this cohort regarding their transition post-secondary school; it ranges from “I’m ready to embrace what comes next” to “I didn’t realise how much the school did for us, regarding planning and organisation”.

Our graduates are poised for different pathways, whether that’s here in Melbourne, interstate or overseas. The spread of destinations reflects the ongoing commitment Trinity has in developing and supporting our students to find and develop skills which allows them to pursue their passions.

While we no longer see the students on a regular basis, we hope that they will continue to reflect and refer to our school values of ‘truth’, ‘service’, ‘courage’ and ‘community’ as they explore the many exciting opportunities that lie ahead of them.

Susan Hill Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School

AN ATAR OF 90 OR ABOVE

72% RECEIVED AN ATAR OF 80 OR ABOVE

2023 Dux

Michael Fan (ATAR of 99.95)

Introducing our Dux for 2023, Michael!

Our 2023 School Captain received the highest-possible ATAR of 99.95.

During his time at Trinity Grammar School, Michael emerged as an exemplary student who keenly embraced opportunities for intellectual and personal growth, crafting an extraordinary legacy of achievements in both academic and extracurricular spheres.

Michael not only capably fulfilled his leadership responsibilities as the 2023 School Captain, but also garnered recognition with Prizes for English and German on Presentation Night. Across

all subjects, he consistently achieved Distinctions, exemplifying his dedication to his studies.

As a Year 11 student in 2022, Michael achieved a perfect Study Score of 50 in Mathematical Methods, underscoring his exceptional aptitude for complex subjects. He was also identified as a Kwong Lee Dow Scholar in 2021.

Michael’s dynamic engagement extended beyond the classroom, showcasing his talents as a keen debater, devoted musician and influential student leader. His involvement in sport was equally commendable, exemplified by

35

PERFECT STUDY SCORES

12

his role as the 2023 Kayaking Captain, attesting to a well-rounded commitment to cocurricular endeavours.

“There is so much to love about TGS, but in particular, the nature of how our leadership works,’ Michael said on his appointment as School Captain in 2022. ‘It is through a culture of giving back, allowing the younger students to experience what we have experienced, that makes the school so special, inspiring me to continue the cycle.”

Something of which you want to be a part

Tom Rickards

Deputy Head of Senior School

‘The Trinity Way’ has been something that in the past I have observed as an outsider and on joining this community, have been so keen to find out more about.

My impressions from afar, largely from seeing the “green and gold” in sport, have been that this school produces young adults who play hard but fair, who have a focus and purpose - and are decent people who will always give you a tough contest and play in the way sport should be played.

On arrival, I was really keen to see if this was true on the inside, and if so, how the school produces these young people and what I could do to contribute.

I wasn’t disappointed. The students at Trinity are friendly and engaging, going out of their way to make you feel welcome and make the community something you want to be part of.

Being in a boys’ school for the first time in 25 years presented me with the energy and enthusiasm that comes with purpose.

In my Year 10 Psychology class, on a 37-degree day, we were studying the effect of our physiological state on memory. I asked the class how we could, hypothetically, change our state in the class. Doing burpees, or running across the oval and back, were keen responses. When they all asked, somewhat excitedly “Can we do it?” I was surprised, given the sweltering heat, but they insisted and every one of the class sprinted to the south fence and back.

“ The

Trinity Way’ has been something that in the past I have observed as an outsider and on joining this community have been so keen to find out more about.

“

Interestingly, their recall was higher in the altered state post-run, contradicting the hypothesis that theory suggested. This perhaps served as a good reminder that sometimes we do need to run around and get moving.

Another early impression was of the staff, initially through the induction process. It was clear that the school has great leaders, who trust the staff to do their thing and be their best, and will support them to do so. This flows into the staff, who are an amazing group of people who love

their work and seem to know that going over and beyond is what makes the school great. Seeing so many coming along in their own time to see the sporting grand finals and the Senior School Play illustrate this.

It has been wonderful to join this esteemed community and I thank you all for making me feel so welcome. I look forward to working with the community to help make Trinity even better for years to come.

Deputy Head of Senior School Tom Rickards, who commenced at the beginning of the 2024 school year, greets students at the Charles/Wellington Street intersection

Fostering community through the parent network

Within the Trinity community, there are a myriad opportunities for parents to engage with each other and the school. Ranging from attending a spectacular event, supporting weekly sporting competitions and performances, volunteering on a parent committee or as a Year Level Class Representative, there is something to suit everyone.

Having overseen the Parents’ Association over the past five years as President, current Trinity parent Heidi Pfeffer can speak to the depth and breadth of value that the parent community fosters.

Heidi at the Spring Luncheon in 2023

“With one son now being an OTG (2022) I have also been able to watch the OTG Cricket and Football teams which have shown me the wonderful connections students continue to have after school through sport,” she said.

The Trinity Grammar School Parents’ Association’s primary objective is to support the school’s initiatives, plan events and facilitate engagement within the parent and guardian community.

“By joining the Parents’ Association, parents have the opportunity to participate in school activities, events, and meetings, allowing them to have a greater understanding and involvement in their child’s education,” Heidi said.

“It also creates an opportunity to connect with other parents, share experiences, and build a sense of community within the school.”

The Parents’ Association Small Grants Program supports the funding of new initiatives, items and activities around the school, predominately funded by the PA’s two major community events; the Founders’ Day Fair and the Green and Gold Ball.

For Heidi, being part of and supporting her children’s educational journey is

a special and important part of why she chooses to contribute.

“I wanted to support my sons school experience and be an active and engaged participant in their education,” she said.

Ultimately, the connections built and shared throughout the parent network are what Heidi says make it all worth it.

“It has always been about the people,” Heidi said.

“The Parents’ Association is defined by the many volunteers that give their time to build our community”.

“ It creates an opportunity to connect with other parents, share experiences, and build a sense of community within the school.

“

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION SUB-COMMITTEES

The PA Committee is the umbrella organisation for the many sub-committees which support special interest, cocurricular and key community events.

Class Representatives

Cowey Club (Rowing)

Darling-Higgs Club (Cricket)

Founders’ Day Fair

Friends of F1 in Schools

Friends of Football

Friends of Harambee

Friends of Music

Friends of Snowsports

Friends of Visual Art

Green and Gold Ball

Spring Luncheon

Secondhand Book Sale

Secondhand Uniform Shop

Trinity Rugby Supporters Group

Trinity Kayaking Supporters

Trinity TLC Community Support Group

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday 25 May

Green and Gold Ball

CONTACT

pa@trinity.vic.edu.au

INTRODUCING THE

Trinity Grammar School, Kew MASTERPLAN

Ashley Butler Chair of Council

Trinity is an institution that is over 120 years old, and capturing the fabric of who we are into what we want to look like in the future has been pivotal to the development of the Trinity Grammar School, Kew Masterplan, which we were pleased to launch earlier this term.

Developing a vision for the tangible – or physical – aspect of the school that will provide a canvas for the delivery of our immediate 2030 Strategic Plan, together with the learning, wellbeing, cocurricular whole-of-person educational experience that our young people of today, tomorrow and well into the future deserve, has been a challenging and thought provoking process.

Having input from our students, parents, staff, Old Trinity Grammarians and students of our Coordinate Program partner, Ruyton Girls’ School, through the community consultation process was an immensely valuable experience, and we now see these perspectives, together with expertise from the educational development industry, reflected in our priorities. Imagining what a holistic education may look like in the future to meet constantly adapting community expectations and requirements of all of us, our future contributors and leaders, and in the careers that may exist has needed specialist thought and flexibility within the overall canvas.

Our vision for a reimagined Junior School Precinct speaks to our desire to create age and stage communities for students as they traverse their educational and personal growth path through the school. Further, our intention to foster innovative and personalised learning environments is reflected in our planned Year 9 Village. In preparation for the plan to commence, the school undertook a range of enabling works over summer including the refurbishment of the Robertson and Shann buildings.

Looking ahead, the plan enhances opportunities to foster meaningful partnerships, whether that be through our Coordinate Program, tertiary institutions, or the community organisations that surround us.

We want to give our young people a strong educational experience that inspires and actively prepares them for the world beyond school. The launch of our Masterplan paves an intentional path forward to improve the legacy that we all leave behind.

Watch the Masterplan launch video to learn more

PROPOSED YEAR 9 VILLAGE

Inspiring community engagement

Mary, current parent, shares her family’s commitment to developing a culture of community and service.

When asked about her family’s motivation to become involved with the school and support its initiatives, Mary speaks with a deep sense of purpose. Her family’s journey began with a desire to impact the lives of children and families positively, fostering connections and offering glimpses into the wider world.

For Mary, education is not merely about academic attainment but about shaping young minds into responsible, empathetic adults who appreciate diversity and global perspectives. Through Mary and her family’s generous support towards the Green and Gold Ball, by way of donations to utilise their hotel accommodation and services abroad, not only provides tangible suport and raises important funds for the PA, but also serves as a way for their family to continue the tradition of giving.

To lead by example is important for Mary and her family and with a strong sense of community, Mary hopes that her support also inspires others that giving can come in various ways, shapes and forms, setting an example for others, and instilling them deeply within their children.

Mary envisions a continuation of their support for the school—preserving family traditions and inspiring future generations.

We take this opportunity to thank Mary and her family for their continued support in positively developing community connections and service.

WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE

TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, KEW

Shirley, current parent, shares her journey of motivation, contribution, and vision for the future of Trinity.

Shirley’s journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to make Trinity better, to support its students, and to connect with others in the community. Reflecting on her experiences, she recalls volunteering each year from when her son commenced at Trinity.

Shirley, alongside fellow parents, coordinates the Asian Food Stall at the Founders’ Day Fair and provides invaluable support to the school. With a strong sense of community and a drive to raise more funds, Shirley stepped forward, eager to lead as the convener of the stall and make a lasting impact. Her dedication to Trinity and her determination to explore other avenues to continue her support, led her to contribute to the annual Community Giving Day. This, along with many other donations from the wider community, has assisted the school in the establishment of its inaugural means-tested scholarship.

For Shirley, Trinity’s values of ‘truth’, ‘courage’, ‘community’, and ‘service’ are a reflection of her upbringing and her culture. These values serve as guiding principles in her life and her contributions to the school. With unwavering dedication, Shirley embodies the spirit of truth, advocating for transparency and integrity in all endeavours. Above all, her commitment to service and community drives her to make a meaningful difference, inspiring others to do the same.

Looking ahead, Shirley sees opportunities to further her impact and to continue to support the growth of Trinity. Through the school’s scholarship program, she hopes to help support access to a Trinity education for more young people from various backgrounds and who otherwise would not be able to attend Trinity.

As Shirley’s journey continues, we thank her for her unwavering dedication and support towards our community events and programs.

The extraordinary experiences we share

Ryan Landgren (OTG 2009)

Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association President

Once students have had their final day in their green and gold blazer, they suddenly have many more decisions to make, and without the right support networks, this can be daunting.

Having friends who are going through similar experiences is important, and peer connections can provide a level of continuity during periods of life that are full of change.

The Old Trinity Grammarians Association (OTGA) represents all Old Trinity Grammarians. Over our many years, we have been able to understand where we can have the most impact.

More recently, our focus has been on what we call the Four Cs; Careers, Clubs, Community and Connections. In activities and initiatives, there is often overlay between the Cs – naturally this is a good indication that we are on the right track!

There are many OTGs who have a strong connection to the school, formed through the people they met and the extraordinary experiences they shared.

There are also OTGs who are aren’t currently connected to the school. Trinity may once again be a part of their life in the future, and we offer an open door for them when the time comes.

I am lucky enough to meet with many passionate OTGs whist being on the OTGA Committee. Many quiet individuals work behind the scenes, volunteering their time to give back to the community and the school they love.

“

Four Cs; Careers, Clubs, Community and Connections. In activities and initiatives, there is often overlay between the Cs –naturally this is a good indication that we are on the right track!

“

For many OTGs, such as myself, being an active part of the network and attending social events within the community each year is important.

For others, attending reunions and catching up with school friends socially provides joy. These friendships are often strengthened through similarly held values learnt during their time at Trinity. For those who graduated from Trinity 50 or more years ago, the recent annual Gold Mitre lunch provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and reminisce.

1. Principal Adrian Farrer presents Hon Richard Marles MP with a photo of his family home, now the Trinity Dadirri Boarding House

2 James Brown (OTG 1992) and Leigh Hodges (OTG 1976)

3. Year 12 students at the breakfast

4. Tony Mulcahy (President OTGAFC), James Brown (OTG 1992), Ryan Landgren (OTG 2009) and David Constantinou (OTG 2002)

5. Alex Stella (OTG 2015), Nathan Chan (OTG 2011), Will Gomm (OTG 2014), Lachlan Smale (OTG 2012), Rohan Barmanray (OTG 2010), Ben Howell (OTG 2010), Max Curtis (OTG 2016), Adrian Farrer (Principal), Ed Candy (OTG 1961)

6. Adam Banfield (OTG 1996), Sam Ross (OTG 2000), Adrian Farrer (Principal), Larry Pang (OTG 2021), Alister Neville (OTG 2003) , Will Harris (OTG 2017)

The Gold Mitre Lunch is an annual event for Old Trinity Grammarians who completed their schooling at Trinity 50 or more years ago, which this year included the 1974 cohort.

This year we were jointed by more than 150 Old Trinity Grammarians spanning cohorts from 1942 to 1974. It is always a great opportunity for Old Trinity Grammarians to reconnect with peers, reminisce on time at school and engage with the community.

1. Chair of Council Ash Butler with Peter McIntyre AO (OTG 1943) who was former Chair of Council (1989-1992) and David Chamberlain (1954)

2. Donald Campbell (OTG 1972), Rodney Sprague (OTG 1974) and Ross Campbell (OTG 1974)

2024

Class of 1994

Class of 1984

Martin Robb (OTG 1969) was in touch with news of a recent catch-up with his many school friends.

Anyone from the 1969/70 leavers wanting to join the mailing list for a BBQ usually held in late November, contact Martin Robb via martinjrobb@me.com

WOMEN OF TRINITY GRAMMAR

WOTG is an informal social group created to assist in maintaining connections for Trinity parents after graduation

STAY IN TOUCH

reunions and events

2014 10 YEAR REUNION 6.30pm Thursday 8 August

SHANGHAI Thursday 27 June

LONDON Wednesday 2 July

SYDNEY

Date to be confirmed

MORNINGTON PENINSULA Friday 6 September

BELLARINE PENINSULA Friday 25 October

Scan the QR Code for more reunion, event and catch-up photos via OTGO

Keep your professional and contact details up-to-date through OTGO. Alternatively, update your details by emailing us at otg@trinity.vic.edu.au This helps us to accurately distribute invitations to Trinity events and reunions.

Tim Peggie, Michael Ralph, Darren Meeking, Tim Tutt

Andrew Ward and Christian Kerr

GALAWINKU OUTREACH

Learning and living on Country - seven weeks in Arnhem Land

Will Browning (OTG 2020) and Stanley Chen (OTG 2019)

Supported by the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, six OTGs and two friends journeyed to Galiwinku in the Northern Territory over the 2023-2024 break. During that time, we volunteered with the local youth at the Sport and Recreation Centre in what was an incredibly rich experience.

At times it was challenging, with an average temperature of 35 degrees and UV rating of 16 which kept most activities to the evenings. There was also a language barrier, with communication limited to cheery waves and a few Yolngu phrases learnt along the way.

While we were initially unsure of how to participate in the community or connect with the locals, we were quickly surrounded by the overwhelming warmth and

kindness carried by the Yolngu, many of whom did their best to share with us their language and customs. One of the most formative experiences was local families taking us out on Country. At the Recreation Centre we enjoyed banter between rounds of basketball and volleyball which developed into powerful personal relationships.

We were given the privilege of learning about many different homelands and everyday was a new experience. We are grateful to those who made it possible to engage with such a vibrant and welcoming community.

While confronting at times, it is a part of Australia that we were glad to have connected with, and highly encourage OTGs looking for an enlightening and rewarding summer experience to consider making the trip to the Top End.

The other side of the camera

WITH INTERVIEWER KIRK DOCKER (OTG 1998)

Seasoned storyteller Kirk Docker (OTG 1998) describes You Can’t Ask That (2016-2022), his high-rating ABC interview-style docuseries as “an exercise in trying to understand Australians who are misunderstood or marginalised, by asking them the taboo questions”

“I wanted to suggest to the audience that it’s ‘okay’ to ask challenging questions of people, and if you do it from a place of care, rather than voyeurism or judgement,” Kirk Docker said. “I learnt that what holds us back from asking questions is our fear of how they’ll be received. Whereas, if your intention is genuine, people will answer anything.”During school, Kirk says that curiosity was a real driving force for him. “Trinity was transformative,” he said.

“It opened my eyes to new possibilities. I was a kid on a scholarship, so at times I felt like a fish out of water, but I was always interested in being involved and trying things out. I studied [everything from] Physics to Literature to Art in Year 12”.

After graduating, Kirk pursued a creative path, seeking out as many new and varied experiences as he could. He studied media, working, travelling and volunteering around the world, building a diverse collection of friends and contacts along the way.

He moved to Sydney, first working for TV producer Andrew Denton before pitching and making TV shows of his own.

Having experienced the insand-outs of the Australian media landscape, Kirk says that the industry isn’t always one of security and stability. Rather, he describes it as “dynamic and constantly evolving, provid[ing] opportunities to tell stories that impact the way people see the world.”

“The trick for me has been staying the course, maintaining the vision of what I wanted for myself [rather than] jettisoning for a safer route when being rejected or when opportunities dried up”.

Kirk attests to the value

of having a network and a community to lean on, especially during the phases of early career. After connecting at a recent Trinity reunion, recent AFTRS (Australian Film, TV and Radio School) graduate Denis Curnow (OTG 2017) joined Kirk on set as he navigates the next steps.

Kirk says that when it comes to creative pursuits, timing is everything.

“Sometimes an idea isn’t bad, you’re just a tiny bit early or late,” he said.

His advice is to “be tenacious, and don’t give up.”

“Be generous with your time and energy and find ways

Next for Kirk is the July launch of his new . Each episode explores significant moments in Australian history told from the perspectives of the people who witnessed them, from Nicky Winmar’s stand against racism to the 350,000 fans greeting

During the production phase, Kirk connected with friend and fellow alumus Roland Bourke (OTG 1998), a history scholar at La Trobe University, for support in how to best approach the verbal history element, testament to the value of connections made

“I think of my job as one where I get to interview the most interesting people in the world and ask them the most honest, personal, at times gut-wrenching questions about who they are, and then I get to listen and learn from them,” he said.

“Creating content that challenges me and my audience

Clubs

CRICKET

Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012) OTGCC President sebnicolosi15@gmail.com

Season 2023/24 is in the books and the Old Trinity Cricket Club is pleased to report another successful campaign (as long as your definition of success isn’t winning premierships...).

The First XI finished one game out of the finals (we also finished secondlast, but one game out of the finals has a better ring to it) and the Second XI earned the right to host a semi-final by finishing the H&A season in second position. Unfortunately, an all too familiar batting collapse dashed all hopes of progressing through to the Grand Final but the boys left the field with their heads held high regardless.

The social fabric of the club went from strength-to-strength with 65 different representatives across both XIs this season (of which 50+ were OTGs). We held a number of successful social events including our season launch back in October, Christmas bowls night in Richmond and even our recent end-of-season celebration where 30+ players competed in the

inaugural OTGCC Go-Karts Grand Prix. After some heated qualifying and racing around the Ace Karts track the event was taken out by....yours truly. I know these reports aren’t meant to be a vehicle for self-congratulation but when you can’t buy a run on the field you need to look to other, more obscure avenues to validate your sense of self-worth.

In all seriousness however, the day reinforced just how tight-knit the OTGCC community is and how much we value and enjoy each other’s company. Within this sense of camaraderie lies the true beauty of old-boy sporting organisations.

The players will now enjoy a wellearned rest before gearing up for season 2024/25. Stay tuned for updates.

Interest is building in developing an OTG Athletics Club for both dedicated athletes and those who would like to be involved in a casual and social capacity.

Please contact otg@trinity.vic. edu.au if this is of interest

To enquire about the OTGASC, contact President Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013) via jeremyneylon1@ gmail.com

OLD TRINITY GRAMMARIANS

FOOTBALL

Tony Mulcahy

OTGAFC President

oldtrinityfc.com.au

The 2024 Football season is almost here, and with the effort and work going on behind the scenes, it looks like it’s going to be a great year.

The turnout for pre-season training has been a strong indicator of where we are tracking for the season, with practice matches for both the men and women, and a fantastic practice match away at Rochester, with a great community feel about it for both football and team bonding.

Already the off-field business has been busy with Coterie lunches, and a massive turnout at the Annual Golf Day, (pictured) with over 100 players hitting the greens. Could everyone please keep a lookout for the few Titleist golf balls that I’m still looking for?

The theme for this year is “Get involved”, so put your hand to help out the club in any way you can. Many hands make light work!

A big welcome to the new Trinity families and players that are now OTGAFC community, please come along to any of the many trainings and socials to meet everyone.

Let’s make it an outstanding year, both on and off the field.

HOCKEY

Tom Cohen (OTG 2018)

OTGA Hockey Committee Member otghockey@gmail.com

After a busy Winter season, OTGHC was able to wind down and relax a bit over summer, enjoying more of the social side of hockey. We once again entered teams for the Summer and Indoor hockey competitions at the end of 2023; Summer finished 2nd and Indoor doubled their previous win tally. Both teams boasted full lineups, bolstered by some guest appearances from a handful of OTGs.

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These competitions allow for mates to reconnect, bond, and enjoy playing hockey in a more relaxed, low-commitment environment. After a well-deserved Christmas break, the gents have taken to Bulleen for some early preseason fitness and fun, shaking off the rust ahead of a long 2024 season. We’re always open to new players, regardless of skill level, so now is a better time than any to give hockey a go. Looking forward to the season to come. Go Ts!!

1. At the OTGAFC Golf Day

2. Nick Adgemis (OTG 2015), Donald McDonald, Ed Beasley (OTG 2011), Brendan Iezzi (OTG 2005)

3. Myles Harrison (OTG 2015 ), Thomas Cohen (OTG 2018), Thomas Carroll (OTG 2018)

WATER POLO

Ed Smith (OTG 2017)

OTGA Otters President ecasmith1998@gmail.com

The OTG Water Polo Club has had a successful start to 2024, with the State League 3 ‘Otters’ topping the table with 14 wins and two losses, and are in the Grand Final. The club has had a strong level of participation and play, with members enjoying training at the pool on hot summer days and several social events.

The club has also been proud to welcome back the second team, the ‘Pups’, into the mix. Led by Milo Van Aanholt (OTG 2019), the Pups have developed together and improved significantly over the course of the summer season, developing a strong culture of mateship and enjoyment of the sport.

The club also sent a team to the Portsea ‘Polo by the Pier’ tournament in February and were able to win the tournament, with Jordan Bateman (OTG 2019) scoring the winning goal to defeat Melbourne University in the final.

HONOURS

Inspector Andrew Glow (OTG 1975) was recognised this year a Meritorious Award for his work with Victoria Police over many years.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hine (OTG 1973) was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2023 Kings Birthday Honours for his outstanding achievement in resource management and training development for the Australian Defence Force.

Stephen Kidd OAM (OTG 1980) was awarded an OAM this year his work in theatre and education. Stephen was School Captain at Trinity in 1980 and is currently Head of the Arts at St Philips College in Alice Springs.

Ray Weinberg (1944) was a Captain of the School in 1944, parent and grandparent of Trinity students and represented Australia in three Olympic Games. To recognise Ray’s contributions to Athletics and the Olympics, and in recognition of his life as a Trinity Grammarian, his family

News

OLD TRINITY GRAMMARIANS

donated a prize in perpetuity to the School, The Ray Weinberg Prize for Sporting Leadership.

In 2023, the Ray Weinberg Prize for Sporting Leadership awarded to Year 12 student Henri du Toit (OTG 2023) and staff member Michael Moreira.

Piers Mitchem (OTG 2002), James Brown (OTG 1992) , Marshall McGuire (OTG 1982) and Adoni Konstantopoulos (OTG 2017) spoke about their respective decades at Trinity at the 120-year anniversary assembly, held in the McIntyre Sports Centre.

Nine of Trinity’s 11 former Kayaking Captains reconnected at the Ben Ward Classic, helping Trinity’s young squad complete their 64km event late 2023. Thank you to these OTG mentors who inspired Trinity’s paddlers and encouraged them towards their own solo 40-mile event one day!

Joe Basser (OTG 2017) is a professional rugby player who plays Major League Rugby (MLR) in the United States. He has recently re-signed with Charlotte, North Carolina.

Michael Bragge (OTG 1974), retired art teacher, is now the Chair of Oakwood Riding School, a not-forprofit organisation dedicated to equestrian excellence. To read more about Michael, please visit OTGO via otgonline.net/photos-albums/ albums/80060

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Patrick Mollison (OTG 1992) moved to Chicago in the United States in 2015. Patrick has two children Charlie and Maverick (now 5-years-old) and is happily married to Lacey, a teacher. After eight years in downtown Chicago, they recently packed up and moved north to Burlington, Wisconsin where they live on an 85-acre property, enjoying fishing, hiking, skiing and all things small town rural Wisconsin.

Patrick works for a Chicago based architectural firm, LCM Architects and carried out project administration and on-site supervision, travelling most weeks to all states in the US working on large scale multi-family residential projects. Lots of flying!

Congratulations and ‘break a leg’ to Old Trinity Grammarians Conor Neylon (OTG 2016), who will be performing as “Gus” in the ensemble in Ground Hog Day, and Peter Rowsthorn (OTG 1980), who will be performing as “Amos Hart” in Chicago. Peter was inducted into Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement in 2022.

Alex (OTG 2016) and Lucas (OTG 2018) Niedzwiecki were recently both selected to play for the Polish National Rugby Team in the European Rugby Championship.

Michael Ouliaris (OTG 2022) was awarded “referee of the Tournament” in the Football Australia U15 National Youth Championships in late 2023.

Jonathan Teoh (OTG 1999) has recently been appointed as President of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch, the peak body for dentistry in Victoria.

Aaron Walton (OTG 2002) was in touch to let us know that his friend Stuart Tyson (OTG 2002) has fulfilled the final portion of his requirements to become a clinical psychologist. Stuart pivoted to psychology after having worked as an accountant and running an orphanage in Kenya and is now working in a private practice (The Viewpoint) in Caulfield. Aaron is also based at Macquarie Street Psychology in Prahran as a clinical psychologist.

Evan Vassos (OTG 2015) was named a finalist in the 2023 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards with Dolphin Corporate Investments. Evan founded Dolphin Corporate Investments in late 2022 with the primary aim of assisting micro, small and medium cap ASXlisted companies with the ability to raise capital at market prices.

Doug Warren (OTG 2019) made an impressive debut playing in the Sheffield Shield for Victoria against Queensland. Doug is a left-arm spin bowler and left-handed batsman.

WEDDINGS

Peter Mescher (OTG 2010) married Amy at the Euroa Butter Factory in December 2022. His groomsmen included his brother Ben Mescher (OTG 2014), Ben Howell (OTG 2010), Tom Peacock (OTG 2010) and Jack Jorgensen. Both Ben Howell and Tom Peacock travelled from London where they live for the celebration.

In Memoriam

OLD TRINITY GRAMMARIANS

Doug Beer (OTG 1942) passed away late in 2023 just short of his 99th birthday. Doug had been a lover of all things Trinity where he started his education in the Junior School; was appointed 1942 School Captain; Henty House Captain; Athletics Captain and awarded the Rhodes Prize in 1942. Doug’s three sons Michael (OTG 1969), Neil (OTG 1972) and Peter (OTG 1976) all attended TGS. Doug was a wonderful contributor who stayed involved whether it was being involved with working bees; Old Trinity Amateur Football Club (President 1963); The Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association (President 1963-64) and of course being a regular and proud participant at our annual Gold Mitre Lunches.

Geoff Buzza (OTG 1958) passed away in September 2023 after enduring a long and courageous 43-year battle with Parkinsons. As a boarder at Trinity, Geoff entertained the other boarders at weekends with his expert boomerang throwing (it always came back) and made some lifelong friends from school. Geoff was a member of Arnold House and his brother Gregory (OTG 1961) also attended Trinity. After leaving school he returned to the family dairy farm in Stanhope. True to

Trinity’s ethos of community, Geoff became involved with local service clubs such as Lions and he was proud to become President/Chairman of VICSTOCK, a dairy group that helped farmers during disastrous years. After selling their farm, the Buzza’s moved to Echuca where they purchased a paddle steamer, the P.S. Ranger. It was driven by steam and kept Geoff busy with the maintenance right until his passing. Geoff is survived by his wife, Betty.

Michael Craig (OTG 1948) is in Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement as an Olympian, having taken part in the 1960 Rome Olympics as Captain of the Australian Men’s Hockey Team. Mike worked tirelessly across all levels of hockey both in Australia and overseas; was awarded Hockey Australia Life membership in 2016 and was named in Camberwell Hockey Club’s Team of the Century. Mike was also 1948 School Captain at Trinity; Rhodes Prize Winner in 1947 and 1948 and a member of Henty House. Trinity’s hockey pitch at the Trinity Marles Playing Fields in Bulleen is also named in Michael’s honour and a thanksgiving for the life of Michael was held in the school’s Chapel of the Holy Trinity late in 2023.

Paul Kinross (OTG 1963) sadly passed away in January 2024. He was a member of Merritt House and was a very talented sportsman who captained Trinity’s 1st XVIII Football and 1st XI Cricket teams as well as the AGSV team in both football and cricket. He was also a Prefect at school and on leaving became a member of the VFL Hawthorn FC training squad and played in both the U19 and Seconds teams, winning the U19 Best & Fairest Award. He played a number of games with North Melbourne seconds (with his good mate Ron Joseph (OTG 1963) and continued to be involved and active through a number of sports including tennis and golf. He graduated as an accountant and began his career in the forerunner of what is now KPMG before running his own accounting practice as well as applying his professional skills in a number of voluntary roles. Paul’s brothers Arthur (OTG 1966) and Robin (OTG 1964) also attended Trinity and he leaves behind his wife, Fiona and children Meaghan, Georgie and Tom and grandchildren.

Alan Roy Farmer OAM (OTG 1951) attended Trinity as a St Paul’s Cathedral chorister and was a member of Merritt House, valuing these years as an important start to his education. Alan’s obituary and contribution to education was included in The Age and can be viewed at qrco.de/bf2N3P

David Henry (OTG 1959) was a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir; Arnold House and was a Prefect at TGS. David’s brothers Michael, Bruce, Peter and Ross also attended Trinity.

Robin Mooney (OTG 1959) was late of Marks Point, New South Wales. Robin had been a St Paul’s chorister and a member of Merritt House who had enjoyed his years at Trinity.

James Rose (OTG 2012) a cameraman, was tragically involved in a midair collision over Port Phillip Bay in November 2023 whilst shooting a documentary. James was wellknown for his work as a cameraman, particularly on MasterChef. At Trinity he was Captain of Rugby and a member of Henty House.

Lawrence Thiele (OTG 1954) passed away in February 2024. He was an orchardist who lived on the Mornington Peninsula and is survived by his three sons. Lawrence’s father Bill attended Trinity as did his brothers Michael, Peter and Philip as well as his two nephews Andrew (OTG 1986) and David (OTG 1989) Seward.

Kenneth Tse (OTG 1961) passed away in July 2023 in Canada at 80 years of

archives, cataloguing a wealth of photographs, documents, reports, council minutes, and publications. Jane played a pivotal role in planning Trinity’s Centenary

Her son Tom Spencer attended Trinity 1974-1977.

insider Student

Hi, this is Chris , Luke and Daniel from the student-led Roxeth newsletter! We’ve taken over the back page of the Grammarian yet again to give you an in-depth guide to how we’ve started off the year. FROM THE ROXETH STUDENT NEWSLETTER

AN INSIDER ON “THE CAF” (CAFETERIA)

Recently, while we were waiting in line in the cafe, we had an epiphany, a moment of stark realisation, how much food do we go through here?

And so, we emailed Mr Glover, Trinity’s Director of Business, for an in-depth analysis on Trinity’s tumultuous cafeteria habits throughout the first four weeks of 2024.

Highest Spending day: The craze of ‘Fryday’

Surprising to nobody - Friday lunchtimes are always the highest spending times of the week. The top item being the chicken and chips, taking the throne from the illustrious fish and chips with approximately 200 serves each day.

To give some perspective, the caf averages about 80kg of chips and 50kg of chicken on a Friday.

Lolly pots - the recess fave

Most popular drink and snack items are the 390mL Coke (No Sugar) and the lolly pots; the cafe moves more than 4,500 units of each per year. That’s around quadruple the Trinity student population in lolly pots.

We ourselves are guilty of spending a concerning amount on lolly pots, they’re just way too good to pass up...

St Paddy’s - for some reason we spent a lot??

This statistic eludes me, for some reason on St Patrick’s Day in March of 2023, the caf had their largest ever volume of transactions with 800 individual Senior School sales on that day, which included 250 serves of Friday chicken and chips and an additional 250 Junior School lunch orders - a TGS record.

STAFF SONG RECOMMENDATIONS

`Out of Touch’ by Daryl Hall and John Oates, from Ms Papaleo, who said that she listens to this at ‘3000 decibels while cruising in my car down Riversdale Rd’

‘Finish Line’ by Skillet, from Dr Koehne, with so called ‘eclectic music tastes’

Out of Touch

Daryl Hall & John Oates

Finish Line

Skillet

HOUSE PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

By James Alleva, Captain of Cowen House

The House Performing Arts Festival ‘HPAF’, stands as the apex of the Trinity school calendar, a beacon of creativity and talent and a lot of hard work. For a relentless nine weeks, we’ve poured hearts, souls, and sweat into crafting a mesmerizing 15-minute skit, honing every detail to perfection. Tuesday mornings, lunchtimes everyone giving up their own time to immerse themselves with the culture of HPAF.

As Mr. Smith’s resounding announcement of “Cowen, your time starts now” echoed through the venue, it signalled the commencement of our remodelled James Bond. With adrenaline coursing through our veins, the Cowboys surged onto the stage, brimming with excitement to showcase the fruits of our tireless preparation.

Every component seamlessly melded together. The harmonious melodies of the band, the captivating stage shows, the detailed props and perhaps most crucially, the resounding mass singing that echoed throughout the Plenary.

As we stood blinded by the spotlight on stage at the conclusion of all our performances, our hearts pounded with anticipation, awaiting the verdict concealed within Mr. Farrer’s envelope.

The moment arrived: “And the winner is… 007.”