The Trinity Grammarian - July 2023

THE TRINITY GRAMMARIAN

In May, our students and broader community came together for National Reconciliation Week to learn about shared histories, culture and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

We were privileged to host and be involved in a number of events and activities during the week, including our annual Reconciliation Breakfast, where the voices of Trinity students were central in the discussion as we continue our collective journey towards reconciliation.

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.

Growing our young people up to leave

Adrian Farrer Principal

There are some habitual, ‘peak’ events we hold at Trinity that have become part of the furniture and folklore of our school. House Performing Arts Festival (HPAF), ANZAC Day Assembly, the Founders’ Day Fair and the Easter “Bonnet, Boot and Belt Parade” come to mind as good examples. There is no doubt that the terrific Trinity Ball we enjoyed recently is right up there with the functions that matter to us all.

Parents are the first educators, of course, and the key partners of the school as we seek to work together to reflect our common purpose. The Parents’ Association, and parents in general, contribute endlessly to the collaboration with Trinity as we strive, together, to “grow our young people up to leave”. As an aside, it is a funny thing to reflect on that there are probably not too many organisations which have as a key goal that the people engaged with them are encouraged to leave! Anyway, the common aim is to have our students prepared for the world and it takes the acknowledgement of everyone’s roles to get it right.

Growing our young people up to leave is conflicting for families. At the recent Mother’s Day Assembly, School ViceCaptain Henri du Toit was interrupted in his speech by his mum, Ilse. She spoke beautifully and honestly, saying:

‘And it’s really, really hard for mums to let go… whether it’s the first day of Prep, or overnight camp, your first solo drive as a P-plater and when eventually you leave the nest. But mums will always be there – waiting for you to return’. It was a clever collaboration with Marly Fan, mother of School Captain Michael, who spoke the next morning at the Year 7 Mother’s Day Breakfast. Her message for the mums in the room included, ‘Trinity wants to train the boys to be independent. We just have to let go little by little. Don’t let go too early, but just know we can’t hold onto them forever’. What great advice and a great blueprint for others to follow. And what a great description of what it is to be a parent of the emerging adults in our care.

The Parents’ Association does lots to assist the school in enhancing the student and staff experience of Trinity, and we are grateful. This year, we are grateful for a different and challenging contribution from normal, as the Parents’ Association joined with the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association and the school to fund a Memorial for the survivors of Historical Child Sex Abuse. The Dedication of the Memorial – held on 22 June – reflects a statement by the school regarding the need for us to face up to the failure to care in the past as well as a commitment to looking after our students well into the future. Please visit our website for more information.

In alignment with the 30-year anniversary of the Trinity/Ruyton Coordinate Program, we are elated to have made a renewed commitment to the enduring relationship which we enjoy with Ruyton. At one level we have been partners since 1903 (when Trinity joined Ruyton as a school affiliated with Kew's Holy Trinity Anglican Church) and in more recent times we have been educational partners for our senior students for 30 years this year. It is an exciting time for the two schools as we continue to imagine the next 30 years of collaboration and progress.

When it comes to folklore, we continue to honour lots of peak events, but also seek to honour the daily good work of all who partner with us to make Trinity, Trinity. With our close partners, such as the Parents’ Association, the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association and Ruyton Girls’ School, we have the benefit of the ongoing, evolving communal good that is created through our deep connections.

Strong, collaborative and intentional partnerships for our future

Ashley Butler Chair of School Council

‘Partnership is not a posture but a process; a continuous process that grows stronger each year as we devote ourselves to common tasks.’

John F Kennedy

Some may say that partnerships are one of the key ingredients to life. Life partners; work partners; sporting partnerships; friendships; corporate, social and spiritual partnerships: we can all immediately think of examples of each that typify the commitment, effort and reward that comes from the process of investing in one another.

The work currently underway by School Council, which is underscored by the Trinity 2030 Strategic Plan, relies on strong, collaborative and intentional partnerships; partnerships that will help us foster new and better ways for learning, leading and wellbeing, enabling our individuals to thrive.

By developing new and enhancing existing connections, we will enable the creation of pathways for our community to choose and create their own “Trinity adventure”.

The ambition resolved by Council is for the school to be a leader in personalised learning, deeper partnerships, broader perspectives and rich pathways.

With a significant focus on personalised learning, leadership and wellbeing for students and staff, the Trinity 2030 Strategic Plan presents an exciting plan for the school – one that will work in parallel with the upcoming facilities Master Plan.

The ambition of the Strategic Plan has been built around a twohorizon, staged approach. The first horizon over the next three years will focus considerably on context, review, testing, benchmarking, better practice and consolidation. The second horizon will be centred on implementation, enhancement, initiative and enacting positive change. For 120 years, Trinity has been an aspirational learning community, one which prizes a "values education". As we emerge from the pandemic, we have the opportunity to reset our thinking and set our direction for the school’s future.

Scan to view the Trinity 2030 Strategic Plan online

We believe that this plan captures and embraces the things we understand to be particularly us – the value we place on the individual, the richness of genuine partnerships and our meaningful, humble charisma – as well as a history of innovation that continues to benefit the students in our care.

I look forward to sharing further updates with you as the Master Plan and other exciting Strategic Plan projects come to fruition.

Together, we have the opportunity for all our people to commit to and invest in their own “Trinity adventure” and help to shape our world beyond.

Meet Kieran McCrohan, our new Head of Junior School

remind you of the beauty and awe in the most simple of things. This keeps you grounded and grateful.

Have there been some highlight moments in your career you can share with us?

It is hard to pinpoint highlights beyond the many opportunities I have had to lead different groups of teachers, whether as a Head of School or PYP Coordinator. I have been part of many initiatives over the years that have seen the implementation of a new languages program, a review of assessment and reporting that saw greater transparency in how we report to families, and the development of a framework for our digital portfolio for students. Whilst these are the result of many people's involvement, the success of the team and the role you play makes you feel very proud.

In the lead-up to his start date at Trinity in Term 3, we sat down with Dr McCrohan to chat all things education!

Tell us about your experience in the education sector so far.

After graduating, I went overseas and taught in London for a year before returning and working in the government sector. I then moved to the independent sector at Wesley College and had a long, fulfilling connection there. My many roles included Homeroom teacher (Prep, Year 3 and Year 4), PYP Coordinator, Deputy Head of Junior School and Head of Junior School.

Why were you drawn to Trinity?

The opportunity to work at another highly reputable school offered an exciting challenge for me. I had heard exciting things were happening at Trinity and its philosophy and values very closely align to my own. It was too good an opportunity to pass up!

Are there any influences that have inspired you and your work?

I have been fortunate to work in an IB school for some time and this was another attraction of Trinity. The IB's philosophy of instilling students with the attitude and knowledge to "create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect" really resonates with me. I am also inspired by the students I work with each and every day. They

Tell us a little about yourself outside work.

I have a 10-year-old son, Matthew. He is in Year 4. I love all sports, but I watch more now than I actually play. I am an Essendon supporter and I am enthralled by the Ashes cricket being played at the moment. I also enjoy reading and listening to music.

What are you most looking forward to about joining Trinity?

Getting to know the students, staff and families and sharing in the learning journey with them. I did attend Assumption College as a student for many of my high school years, so I look forward to re-entering the AGSV and following the school sport, not to mention all the other co-curricular achievements of Trinity.

Annual Financial Report

Mark Glover Director of Business

The 2022 School/Financial Year welcomed a return to on-campus learning for the entire school program following two COVID-impacted years.

Whilst the school year commenced with some minor restrictions in place, the majority of events, camps, excursions, sport and special activities were able to be conducted, albeit with some managed in a hybrid form. The return to some ‘normality’ meant that the community could return to attend events in person and by the year’s end we were able to celebrate the Year 12 graduation ceremonies with great verve.

The focus of School Council and Management has been the development and launch of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Following almost two years of planning, inhibited by COVID-19, the formal plan was finalised and announced to the wider school community in November.

Following a comprehensive selection process, McIldowie Partners were appointed as the Master Plan Architects and by year end had completed a range of staff and student workshops, analysis of current conditions and reviewed key town planning challenges. Their work has continued into the first semester of 2023 and, following stakeholder consultation, will be subject to School Council final deliberations and then submission to the City of Boroondara for approval in late Term 3.

Works continued to roll out at the Marles Playing Fields at Bulleen in response to the North-East Link Project (NELP) tunnel works. These works included the construction of eight new synthetic cushioned tennis

courts with landscaped surrounds and spectator shelters, 16 new natural turf and synthetic cricket practice nets, a new southern boundary access roadway with 65 car parking spaces, new archery range and the provision of a temporary maintenance compound.

Planning also progressed for the remaining NELP-funded Master Plan projects including the construction of a new caretaker’s residence, permanent grounds/maintenance facility and the redevelopment of the Just Pavilion, Cohen Room and main changeroom precinct. NorthEast Link compensation and rental income is integrated into the financial statements and contributes to the surplus result, with such funds being reinvested in the sporting campus.

In 2018, the School Council communicated to the Trinity community that the Company would enlist as a participating organisation in the National Redress Scheme (‘NRS’) to support past students who have

experienced institutional child sex abuse. As at 31 December 2022, the Company has provided $8,675,000 (2021: $5,150,000) for historical failings.

A summary of the financial position of the school, along with comparative information for the previous year have been displayed in graphs and tables across these pages.

In accordance with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority registration requirements, the School is obligated to also provide business performance information to the community on the Early Learning Centre and boarding operations.

The School operated boarding services for local and international students in Years 9 to 12 in the senior boarding residences. At the end of 2022, the School ceased these boarding operations. The School continues to operate an Indigenous boarding house called Dadirri House.

The School also operates a Registered Early Learning Centre with 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten services being provided. Both programs were fully enrolled in the 2022 school year with 22 spaces approved for each room.

The ELC operations sit within the School’s (Company) single entity financial reporting framework and are subject to annual external audit. The program receives direct government recurrent grants for kindergarten programs. No other recurrent grants are used for ELC purposes with the program operated by the School using ELC fees and school funds.

The ELC program is also subject to formal review and regulatory audit by ACEQA/Department of Education and the most recent audit saw the School achieve ‘exceeding the standards’ ratings for each of the categories; a remarkable outcome that deserves commendation.

All Boarding and ELC operations are governed by the School Council and managed on a day-to-day basis under delegation to the Principal. The programs are funded via specific fees and school funds. No government recurrent grants apply to the financial operations of the boarding programs. Staff are employed directly by the School and the services operate from school-owned properties. Their operations sit within the School’s (Company) single entity financial reporting framework and are subject to annual external audit.

The School’s overall financial position remains strong and continued healthy enrolment demand places the organisation in an excellent situation to respond to the impending strategic and development plan major goals and actions.

Copies of the Audited Financial Statements can be obtained from the office of the Director of Business.

The chart below details the comparative fundraising income that has been generated by the School:

Learning from our oak tree

Naomi Wright Director of the Murray W. Verso Centre for Early Childhood Learning

Young children are naturally curious and have an innate desire to explore the world around them.

The oak tree in the Early Learning Centre garden is a pivotal part of our space.

We view our tree as a symbol of a partnership between our pedagogy, the environment and the children’s learning and development.

As the seasons change, our students are active observers in how our tree adapts to the new weather conditions. Autumn brings the discovery of acorns and then the bare limbs of the tree through winter. As spring comes around, our tree is full of bright, green, new leaves providing a canopy of shade for the long, warm months of summer.

Just as our tree provides us with shade, it also offers a sense of belonging for various creatures. Similar to our oak tree, our partnerships within the ELC provide support, empathy and promotion of wellbeing. Year-round it provides shelter, predictability and stability.

Oak trees are known for their strength, resilience and longevity. These are key areas of our centre’s philosophy of learning and development. As our students engage and learn through our curriculum, they problem solve, adapt, overcome challenges, and develop their inner strength. We provide a platform for children's holistic development, including physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual aspects.

Just like our little learners, from a small acorn a majestic oak tree develops and blossoms. The branches of our tree represent interconnectedness and collaboration. Our students thrive when working in partnerships and groups. They share resources, negotiate the play space and collaborate towards common goals. Just as the branches of an oak tree support their ever-changing leaves, so do our learners as they rely on collective efforts, their educators and each other.

In the ELC, there is an understanding that our footprints take on a role of caretaker of the earth and a sense of stewardship. We encourage children to develop a deep respect and appreciation for all cultures

and the many ways of knowing and being. We are continuously working and learning to strengthen and share our partnerships with our Indigenous culture. It is our privilege to provide a space in which the next generation of voices can learn, reflect, understand and appreciate the land on which they earn, rest and play.

Our learners love our oak tree and know that it wasn’t always there. They know that unlike other plants in the ELC garden, it is not Indigenous to the Wurundjeri land.

They appreciate its beauty and all it offers us, but we work together to add Indigenous and native plants back into the earth, to show our respect and deepen our learner and land connection.

Dynamic duos in the Junior School

Jon Knight PYP Coordinator

At Trinity, partnerships flourish in our community as our Junior School students develop a love of learning. They continue to want to learn about things that are relevant, significant, challenging and engaging.

To form partnerships in the PYP, teachers encourage students to work collaboratively, in pairs or in small groups within flexible learning spaces, taking ownership of their learning. They benefit in pursuing shared interests and learn more about each other.

Arnold and Toby

The “Gap Walkers” program sees OTGs walk Junior School music students from their classrooms to the CFA building, bridging the Charles Street gap together.

‘Connection to the Junior School and getting to learn how the Junior School runs and operates is really rewarding to me. It allows me to keep connected to the school as an OTG,

Through regular communication, teachers work closely with parents and guardians to support students’ learning and make sure all students are working to their full potential.

Partnerships are essential in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum within the Junior School. The PYP places great significance on partnerships as key to building positive relationships between students, teachers, parents and the wider community.

Patrick and Patrick

As part of the “Great Mates” program, Year 6 students don an orange vest and join the Prep and Year 1 students in their play area, providing an opportunity for communication, collaboration and mentorship.

‘Great Mates is pretty cool. You get to wear an orange vest and play with the Preps during lunchtime or recess.’ - Patrick (Year 6)

‘It’s fun having the same name, because when I hear the Prep teacher calling out “Patrick” we both turn around.’ - Patrick (Prep)

rather than just through events such as reunions and have a fresh eye on what the school is doing with our future generations.’ - Toby

‘I really like the time with the OTG gap walkers, it’s good to chat with them and find out what Trinity used to be like. Toby and I talk about basketball and the teams we follow, the NBA playoffs.’ - Arnold (Year 6)

Edmund and Martin

It’s Martin and Edmund’s role to bring the Trinity flag down in the Junior School playground of a Friday afternoon each week.

‘The main reason to put the flags down, one person has to catch the flag and fold it so it doesn’t rip, the other person has to control the rope.’ -

Edmund

‘Having a flag partner is a chance to make a good friend with someone new. It would be boring to put the flag down by yourself.’ - Martin

Lachlan and Sam Chess Club members

‘We both love the game, and we are in Chess Club together. I also like how we are equally matched, we both teach each other tactics when something doesn’t go our way, we help each other improve.’ - Sam

‘I enjoy playing with Sam a lot, he helps teach me the moves.’ - Lachlan

Nic and Zac Year 5 twins

‘My favourite thing about being a twin is helping each other out. He is my role model because he is my older twin brother by two minutes.’- Zac

‘We're connected as twins, we have a special bond. Once we tried to switch places by switching clothes, but it didn’t work.’ - Nic

The natural world as our classroom

Outdoor Education at Trinity uses the natural world as a classroom for personal development.

Students learn and use outdoor skills, challenge themselves in environments outside their comfort zones and extend their personal and social relationships.

The Year 10 program is eight days in length and locations vary from Freycinet National Park in Tasmania to the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory.

Student reflections

Nick Vildovas (Year 10) - Freycinet National Park/Wine Glass Bay Circuit in Tasmania

The Freycinet Peninsula boasts a vast array of different environments and variable weather, and we tackled both on our week-long camp.

One of the most important aspects of the trip was allocating roles that would help the group move successfully and

safely through each day’s activities, and to rest well after a day of physical exertion. Everyone had a role to play, whether that be carrying (heavy!) group gear or cooking dinners.

The highlights for me were kayaking in the glassy blue waters around Refuge Island with the local seals swimming under our kayaks, sitting 600 metres above sea leave atop Mount Graham, abseiling 45 metres down a cliff face at Whitewater Wall, taking a swim in the frigid waters as the sun set, and eating dinner as we gazed out over a moonlit Wineglass Bay.

Our leaders encouraged us to feel a connection with the land and waters that we were exploring. In my group, one of the most enjoyable aspects was taking in the views around us, and we stopped regularly to appreciate the scenery and look back at how far we had trekked.

There was a real sense that every one of us cherished these once-in-alifetime experiences.

Aadi Sarode (Year 10) - Murray River

Being out on the water was an incredible experience. Just being able to relax and take in your surroundings was something that we really don’t get to experience in our chaotic, busy

lives, and provided a nice break from the increasing workload at school.

This was made even more memorable by the incredible scenery that can be seen as you paddle down the river. The trees, the birds, the beaches and the river all combined for a picturesque landscape, and to me, it is an honour to be able to experience and be a part of such a beautiful landscape so close to home.

One moment that stood out to me was when my group went out on a “dawn paddle”, setting out on our canoes before the sun had fully risen. While I was quite groggy from waking up early, the opportunity was well worth it. The experience of drifting down a misty river in silence as the forest

began to come alive around me was the most memorable.

The many conversations, random songs, and fun games that took place out on the water did an extremely good job of keeping me entertained, and the incredible beauty and calm that I experienced on this trip was something like nothing else I had felt before.

The picturesque landscape combined with a wonderful group of friends to spend the week with is something that I will remember for years to come.

Image by Ben Hope (Year 10) from the Larapinta Trail in West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory

Redefining “failure” and embracing our imperfections

Tom Ross, Year 12

“Failure”, by definition, refers to “lack of success or the inability to meet an expected or required outcome.”

The idea of failing a test, failing to win a match in school sport, or failing to get the lead role in the play are feelings and ideas which resonate with every single student who wears the green and gold.

But, I think it’s time we started to celebrate imperfection.

What makes Trinity such a great environment is our individuality. Everyone brings something new to the table. Everyone, yes everyone, (including School Captain Michael Fan, albeit fewer than most people) has flaws. Unfortunately, nobody at Trinity is perfect. Everyone has had that test result, has missed out on that role in the school play or has lost that game of school sport. That’s life. We shouldn’t expect to win or be the best at everything we do. And nor should we want to.

As the saying goes, 'If everyone was the same, the world would be a boring place'. Our imperfections and our failures are what set us apart from the next person.

By no stretch of the imagination am I close to being perfect. My friends aren’t perfect – they can drive me crazy at times. Neither are my teachers perfect – take Mr Hildebrandt’s brutal but fair marking of my Legal questions, or Mrs Fewster’s occasional tendency to stray away from teaching an English class to talk about hockey for a period

as examples. Nor do I want them to be perfect.

If nothing else, our imperfections and our failures give us the ability to improve. They highlight to us that we can always be looking to better ourselves. The road to perfection is littered with inevitable potholes of failure. We should look to embrace these failures and imperfections as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves. We can all learn from our mistakes and our failures.

I encourage anyone patient enough to have read this piece to its conclusion to do one thing: next time you get that disheartening test score back, lose that game of school sport, or miss out on that part in the school play, look at it not as a blemish or a shortcoming on yourself, but as an inevitable and valuable piece that makes us individuals.

I encourage you to embrace your shortcomings, whether your own, your best mate’s or someone's at school you’ve never spoken to, as ultimately, they are what make us who we are.

About the artwork

Finlay White, Year 12

My art, titled ' Unstrung ' aims to convey the feeling of wavering composure. This is something which we often experience in our day-today lives through school and work. It is the sacrifice we make in the hopes to succeed and was intended to be an expression of an emotion that is often felt by me, along with my friends and classmates.

I conveyed my idea through colour, texture and form to show both the facial expression of the emotion, as well as a more symbolic and expressive snapshot of the mind, making them work together to create one cohesive piece.

My use of a calm colour pallet contrasted with the harsh textures they formed is full of symbolic meaning to draw an emotive response from the audience. Stippling was another technique used to convey the form of my subject that I wouldn't be able to achieve with other techniques.

A day in the life of a Trinity musician

May Gala Concert performance day: 31 May 2023

Breakfast 9:03am

Our bus to rehearsals was late and I was hungry so Ms Hendahewa gave me a bun from Baker’s Delight

Angus Wong (Year 12), Music Captain Selfie 9:16am Finally on the bus

Group huddle backstage 6:21pm

Arrival 9:53am Arrived at Melbourne Recital Centre

Rehearsals 10:15-1:15pm

Stuck in traffic 'til 6:18pm

Leave the house 4:45pm

Go home and get ready 3:35pm

Performance

6:45pm

Performed in Suzuki Violins Ensemble, performed in Senior Choir

Make speech

7:15pm Success!

7:23pm

Calm the nerves

7:00pm Spent 15 minutes calming down before making a speech

Thank you

8:35pm Had a small tear-up and go to foyer to thank people for coming

Speech goes well. Realised I went slightly overtime but nobody seemed to notice Performance

7:55pm

Performed in Senior Strings, performed in Symphony Orchestra Fin 8:32pm

What does “sportsmanship” mean to you?

We

asked four people from across the Trinity community

Student, 1st XVIII Football and 1sts Basketball team member

‘Sports are such a great teacher. I think of everything they’ve taught me: camaraderie, humility, how to resolve differences.’ - Kobe Bryant

There are many positive reasons why my parents have driven me up and down the Hume Highway from country Victoria to be involved in sport. Sport is so much more than just a game; it’s learning about discipline, leadership, fair play and developing life skills.

Good sportsmanship encourages teamwork, camaraderie and is the spirit of good friendships, building a sense of community. It is through these sporting interactions that led me to Trinity Grammar School and for that, I am forever grateful to Mr Dimattina.

Sport at Trinity creates an atmosphere of pride and togetherness that is hard to top. The entire Trinity community cheers together; winning or losing you can feel the energy.

It takes a village, as they say... Taking the example of Neale Daniher's fight against the MND beast where the inspirational partnership between sports, teamwork and the community is the ultimate motivation as to why sportsmanship matters.

Staff and Teacher in Charge of Hockey

Sportsmanship to me is putting humanity ahead of the win.

This is best shown in the moments when you see an athlete consider their opponent as a fellow human being, rather than focusing on their own success. Think of John Landy and Ron Clarke, Ivan Anaya and Abel Mutai, Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim.

In hockey we line up, look the rivals in the eye and shake hands before the game, as a tacit promise to the opposition that we will play fair.

Being a dignified winner shows as much respect to your opponents as being a gutsy loser. It’s important to play the game in such a way that makes it possible to share a choc milk and a donut with the other team after the match.

I love working with the fine athletes of the Trinity Hockey program, and am always impressed to see their acts of good sportsmanship.

DOWLING BOSTON FEWSTER KATE

ANDERSON PHIL CLARKE VICKI

Alumni (OTG 1975) and professional cyclist

I believe sportsmanship is a life ethos for success in life, not just sport.

On reflection, I believe my time in Trinity's outdoor education activities gave me life skills which shaped my sporting career.

At home and at school, one of the lessons back in the day was, ‘do to others as you would have them do to you’.

I was never destined to be a scholar, though Trinity tried. My results in mainstream school sports were dismal as well. Relegated to the bench during football, I shifted to the cross country and athletics teams where performance was based on individual merit.

Professional sport requires individual focus, drive and discipline. I drifted into cycling by accident, achieved early results and was offered an opportunity to move to Europe to ride. I was thrown into the world of professional cycling without language or team support. I believe that without the above adage as a guide I would not have survived.

Parent and Trinity Rugby Supporters’ Group member

Like so many Trinity parents, we have had great delight over the years watching our son play sport. For us, it has been soccer, football, rowing, tennis, basketball and rugby.

There is something unique about the approach that Trinity Grammarians (OTGs and current) bring to the pitch, field, pool, court or boat. This creates a huge sense of pride from parents, which goes beyond the scoreboard, the fastest time or the highest number of goals.

It is their desire to be a great competitor, but an even greater desire to be great sportsmen to others and with each other. I have seen Trinity boys offer a hand up to an injured opponent they may have just tackled hard in rugby, witnessed rowing boys celebrate their win on the medals dais before respectfully acknowledging their competitors, I’ve observed our boys choking back tears of defeat at a devastating grand final footy loss, yet have the grace to honour their opponents with a handshake and a shoulder slap to their teammate who may have missed the game-changing final goal.

It’s a rich and unique value that sets our young people in green and gold apart, and one they’ll have forever and we are particularly thankful for.

Artwork by Alex Ingpen (Year 11 Visual Communication Design student)

A year of celebration, commemoration and community

Heidi Pfeffer Parents' Association President

Year 7 Mother's Day Breakfast

Key community events run by the Parents’ Association (PA) sub-committees in the first half of 2023 include the Year 7 Mothers’ Day Breakfast. This year, the Year 7 mothers and sons were treated to a wonderful speech from Captain, Michael Fan and his mother, Marly Wang. Thank you to the committee members Alicia Choi, Palmyra De Banks, Ling Lin Cai, Verity Joyce, Emma Martin, Sonia Le and Vidya Muraleedharan.

Junior School Mother's Day Breakfast

The Junior School Mother's Day Breakfast was held at Leonda and had 375 in attendance at 7.00am on a cold Thursday morning. It was wonderful to be in a larger venue and the Junior School staff helped to bus the boys back to school at the end of the event to ensure smooth running of the school day. Thank you to the committee for running a wonderful event: Melissa Gallace (Convenor), Kelly Tomietto, Stella Stavropoulos, Desiree Sutrisno, Kara Fedele, Kathy Peng, Dora Papamakarios and Anna Wells-Jansz.

Harry and his mum Fiona

Tracy and her son Joel

Taj and his mum Kate, Leo and his mum Rebecca, and Lachlan

Ethan and Evan with their mum Melissa

The Green and Gold Ball 2023 was an elegant evening of fun, food and dancing. A successful fundraising element was made possible with the support of our community through generous donations, bidding and purchasing of the raffle tickets.

An additional expression of gratitude is extended to our wonderful committee who volunteered their time to make it a wonderful experience for all. The committee of Suzanne Smith, Felicia Trewin, Sally Child, Wei Wei, Angie Kotsonis, Vicki Siamos, Sharan Jassal

and Rebecca Stambanis all deserve a round of applause. Of course, without the continued support of Adrian Farrer and the Community Engagement team, we would not have been able to hold our Ball, so a heartfelt thank you to them also.

Founders' Day Fair

On Saturday 11 November we will have our Founders’ Day Fair and in conjunction with the Community Engagement Office, have a unique celebration to commemorate the 120th year of the school. While speaking with the school Archivist it was highlighted to me that in 1954 the P&F Hall was opened by Prime Minister Robert Menzies. The main source of funds to build the hall was raised by the PA from the Annual Carnival held over two days. The PA has had a longstanding relationship with the school throughout the 120 years.

The Carnival of 1954 is the Founders’ Day Fair of today. Although it will not run for two days, the funds raised will be used for current students to enrich their schooling experience.

Please contact us via pa@trinity. vic.edu.au if you would like to be involved in our Fair celebrating our 120-year history.

Guests at the Trinity Ball

Green and Gold Ball

Rebecca Stambanis, Sharan Jassal, Wei Wei, Vicki Siamos, Angie Kotsonis, Heidi Pfeffer, Sally Child and Suzanne Smith

Thank you for making our Community Giving Day a success!

Hayley Galloway Development Manager

Our second Trinity Grammar School Community Giving Day on Thursday 15 June brought together over 250 of our current and past parents, Old Trinity Grammarians and friends to raise funds in support of a meanstested scholarship.

This day held immense significance as we aimed to provide an educational opportunity to another student who would not otherwise have the financial means to attend our school.

Through the generous efforts from across our community, I am pleased to share with you that over $170,000 was raised.

To all our donors and Community Giving Day "Matchers" who enabled every donation on the day to be doubled, a sincere thank you for choosing to support Trinity Grammar School and enhance the philanthropic programs of our school.

As we continue to embrace the spirit of giving, Community Giving Day allows us to come together to give the invaluable gift of a Trinity education.

Our sincere thanks again for being part of this special day.

Tunga Society

'I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause and support our community through this fundraising event. Seeing the collective efforts of parents, OTGs, and volunteers coming together to raise funds was a remarkable experience.'

Wei Wei, current parent, donor and Community Giving Day volunteer

We look forward to welcoming our Tunga Society members and friends to our 2023 Tunga Society Luncheon on Monday 24 July.

If you have not received your invitation and would like to join us, please contact Hayley Galloway via gallowayh@trinity.vic.edu.au or phone +61 3 9851 9403

Community Giving Day parent and staff phone volunteers

WE DID IT!

$170,000 RAISED FOR A MEANS-TESTED SCHOLARSHIP

100%

Maintaining connections to the school and each other

As we come to the middle of the school year, the tempo of Trinity life has certainly increased from previous years. The diary has never been so full of events, allowing OTGs to maintain a connection to each other, as well as to the school. The class reunions held thus far have been an enormous success and the winter OTG sporting teams are in full flight.

An important night in the school calendar occurred in late March this year, being the TGS Community Forum. It was once again a fantastic opportunity to come together as a broader community to receive an insightful update on the health and aspirations of the school.

In my last Grammarian article, I expressed my thanks to James Brown (OTG 1992) for his work during his time on the OTGA committee. I can

now convey my congratulations to both James and Lachlan Bruce (OTG 1986) for their selection to the Trinity School Council. I wish these two OTGs well for their time on School Council, as they volunteer their time and expertise, in service of the Trinity community.

Our thanks go to OTGA committee members, Oscar Brown (OTG 2022) and Jack Stewart (OTG 2020) who recently organised a workshop for Senior School students, discussing post-schooling pathways and tips and tricks for university life. Post-schooling course selection and careers is an important topic and the OTGs who were presenting were able to prepare students for some of the everyday challenges, such as organising their timetable and insight into graduate programs. Hopefully this will become an annual event going forward.

We extend our thanks to all the speakers: Oscar Brown (2022), Tom De Graaff (2020), Kevin Dong (2022),

Andrew Hain (2021), Andrew Lim (2020), Paul Lindsay (2020), Harris Mastras (2019), Lachlan McLean (2019), Dan McNab (2019), Nick Paidoussis (2017), Ben Simpson (2019), Jack Stewart (2020), Will Toner (2021), Nick Trott (2020), Matt Walker (2017) and Lachlan Wong (2020). Also speaking in the careers space was Conor Neylon (OTG 2016) who returned to Trinity to speak to the students interested in following a creative career path in the arts. Thanks Conor!

After a hiatus, the OTGA are all systems go for the re-launch of the OTGA Community Breakfast (formerly the Kew Business Breakfast). We have secured a fantastic speaker in “Razor” Ray Chamberlain, discussing men’s health and all things AFL. It will once again be a fantastic opportunity to catch up with those who you may not have seen for many years. Look out for your invitation and I hope to see you on Friday 21 July at 7.00am!

Ryan Landgren (OTG 2009)

Old Trinity Grammarians' Association President

Lachlan Wong, Jack Stewart, Torren Arthur, Matt Walker, Alex Boxer, Dan McNab, Paul Lindsay, Tom Paidoussis, Harris Mastras, Ben Simpson, Andrew Lim and Nicholas Trott

Scan to Book for the OTGA Community Breakfast

To stay up to date with many aspects of OTG life, please look to follow the OTGA on our social media platforms (OTGO, Facebook, Instagram). I encourage you to share with us information about OTGs doing great work in the community or if you stumble upon an interesting historical TGS related item. We are always keen to hear from you! I hope to see you at an Old Trinity and/or a Trinity event soon.

Class of 1983 40-year Reunion

In May, we were joined by the Class of 1983 for their 40-year reunion with canapes and refreshments at the Richard and Elizabeth Tudor Centre for Contemporary Learning at Trinity. Thanks to all those who travelled from a distance, and in particular to Justin Mollison who joined us from Bali!

Reunions and Events

OTG Sydney Dinner

Wednesday 2 August

6.30pm – 8.30pm

2013 10-Year Reunion

Thursday 3 August

6.30pm – 8.30pm

OTG Canberra Dinner

Thursday 3 August

6.30pm – 9.00pm

2003 20-Year Reunion

Thursday 17 August

6.30pm – 8.30pm

OTG Gold Coast Dinner

Wednesday 27 September

6.30pm – 9.00pm

Women of Trinity Grammar

The annual Women of Trinity Grammar (WOTG) breakfast was held on Thursday 11 May. Guests enjoyed catching up with one another and had the opportunity to hear from Jane Stewart from the charity It’s the Little Things who gave a lovely overview of her inspiring charity work.

Save the date for our next event "High Tea & Tour of Parliament House", to be held on Thursday 26 October. Detailed invitation to follow.

The Women of Trinity Grammar is an informal social group to maintain the links between mothers/carers after their children have completed their schooling at Trinity. New members are always welcome – please sign up at surveymonkey.com/r/ women_of_trinity_grammar to keep connected through social events and casual catch ups.

Jon Davey, Greg Christensen, Matthew Saunders, Andrew Stack

Adrian Farrer, Philip Schier, Luke Snell, Justin Mollison, Jon Carnegie, Damien Cummins

Scan to RSVP for the upcoming reunions via

Two generations of Trinity Grammarians reflect on the Coordinate Program

Andrew Chieng (OTG 1994) was amongst the first students to experience the Trinity/ Ruyton Coordinate Program after it was first introduced in 1993. His son Alex, who is currently in Year 11, is now experiencing the program himself some 30 years later. In celebration of the 30-year anniversary, the father/son duo reflect on their experiences.

Andrew (OTG 1994)

Trinity made the transition for a new kid from overseas like me seamless, and I quickly immersed myself in the Trinity family and curriculum, especially on the tracks and soccer fields. The Trinity teachers left a deep impression on me as well. I will never forget the booming voice of Mr Brown in my Maths classes and Mr Boys’ passionate teaching which inspired the career path I have today.

It is amazing to think that it has been 30 years since the Coordinate

Program was introduced between Trinity and Ruyton. It was certainly a unique experience for me, having only been in an all-boys environment throughout my school years. There were already a few joint activities with Ruyton prior to the introduction of the Coordinate Program, but having girls in the classroom was a completely new frontier.

A key benefit of the Coordinate Program that I experienced was the opportunity for students from Trinity and Ruyton to interact and collaborate. We participated in joint classes and projects and developed friendships (including finding a date for the Year 12 formal!). There was also lots of fun to be had, with a memorable Year 12 breakfast and volleyball and “poisonball” games to cap off the ’94 year. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of respect.

Seeing Alex go through the program was both surreal and rewarding. 30 years on, the ageless aspects of the program remain - like learning how to communicate with one another!

Alex (Year 11)

Despite the social challenges my dad faced upon immigrating from Malaysia and assimilating into Australian culture, it was evident that his experience at Trinity played a key role in shaping who he is today.

Having attended the school from ELC, I've undergone just about every stage of my childhood at Trinity. Seeing the same friends that I've known for over a decade grow and develop alongside me has been particularly rewarding, as well as meeting people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

The Coordinate Program in the classroom setting has benefited me from both an academic and social perspective, facilitating a unique class dynamic within all my VCE classes. Perhaps my most memorable experience with the Coordinate Program was playing a part in the band/orchestra in the 2019 and 2022 Trinity/Ruyton school productions of 'Les Misérables' and 'Chicago' respectively.

What I love most about music, and more specifically, the music program I’ve experienced at Trinity, is the tight-knit community that surrounds it. The school's myriad performance opportunities, talented students, and supportive teachers have allowed my passion for music to flourish.

Performance opportunities like the school productions were only made possible through the Ruyton partnership, which fosters an environment of tolerance and empathy that permeates every aspect of the school's culture.

First XI Soccer: Back Row: Tom Karamzalis, Toly Romanidis, Brad Rundle. Middle Row: Rob Carnell, Mark Giannarelli, George Vlachos, Peter Batziakas, Andrew Chieng, Wen Mah, Mr W.Burtt (Coach). Front Row: Sam Cheng, Richard Pyros, Al Nicolson (V.C), Stephen Thwaites (C), Richard Broom, Daniel McPherson, Sam Ng

News of Old Trinity Grammarians

Richard Baumgartner (OTG 197679) was in touch to let us know he is very much enjoying his retirement in McCrae on the Mornington Peninsula, to where he and his wife have relocated. They have moved closer to their two daughters and are looking forward to the birth of their first grandchild in August.

Nicholas Campbell (OTG 2010-15) (pictured below) graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts and was awarded the 2021 Supreme Court Exhibition Prize for best Honours thesis. Nicholas was jointly nominated by the Supreme Court and Monash University. Nicholas is pictured at his admission ceremony below and is working at King & Wood Mallesons as a law graduate.

Thank you to the Goble Family who donated photos and a Mitre yearbook (pictured above) to our archives from the late Alan Goble OAM (OTG 193842) who passed away in 2012. Alan was a pioneer of cardiology and was awarded an OAM in 2012 for services to medicine as a cardiologist, and to the National Heart Foundation in Victoria. Alan’s brother Jim (OTG 1938-46) also attended Trinity.

Congratulations and best of luck to Tom Ladson (OTG 2017-22) who is currently competing in Europe in the Wild Water Racing World Cups and Under 23 World Championships.

Tom completed his VCE studies in 2022 and is currently taking a gap year. After competing at selection events earlier this year, he is now in Europe, training and competing

in the European Championships held in Skopje, Macedonia. This is a preliminary race for the Junior and U23 World Championships being held in Roudnič, Czech Republic.

Stewart Lucy (OTG 2000-05) and his wife Monique welcomed their second child, Henry Clinton Lucy into the world in April. They are happily living in Yackandandah and very much enjoying the move away from Melbourne.

Hoa Nguyen (OTG 2000-05) is playing one of the lead character roles in the upcoming movie 'The Sympathizer '. Congratulations!

It was wonderful to hear of the Cricket Victoria selection of Doug Warren (OTG 2014-19) for the Victorian squad. Doug was a member of Trinity’s AGSV Cricket Premiership team and we wish him every success.

Contact

If you have OTG News you would like to share in an upcoming edition of The Trinity Grammarian Magazine, please contact Sharon Kendall, Alumni and Community Engagement Coordinator by email at kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au

King’s Birthday Honours

Officer (AO) in the General Division

Michael Kidd AM (OTG 1977) For distinguished service in medical administration and community health, to primary care leadership, and to tertiary education.

Medal (OAM) in the General Division

John Robert Turner (OTG 1953) For service to surf lifesaving.

Old Trinity Grammarians Clubs

Football

The year is almost a third of the way through, and once again it’s been a bit of a tough season, but we have survived the onslaught and have four of our sides in the top four spots. The seniors are in for another challenging season, but are sitting at two wins and four losses, but all the losses have been to the top 4-5 sides.

Sending five sides out onto the fields each week is a huge task but made easier due to the great partnerships we have. We have a wonderful medical/ trainer team that goes the extra mile for all our players and make sure they receive the best treatment possible. We have incredible coaches that take all our players to the next level. And we have an amazing sporting facility at Bulleen that is one of the best football grounds going around the amateurs across all of Melbourne and looked after by some of the finest ground staff in the metro area.

We also have great partners off the field, one of which is the fantastic food from the Veneto Club that provides dinner for up to 100 ravenous men and women after training on Thursday nights. Thursday night dinners are the social barometer of our club – if you ever get a chance we would love to see you come along and be a part of these dinners.

Finally, we have some special partnerships in our volunteers, and last week parent Peter Moran was named out Annual Volunteer of the Year at our dinner, which was great acknowledgement of what an amazing job our volunteers do.

Please feel welcome to come down and join us to see the games or great training nights first-hand.

Hockey

With the 2023 season underway, both OTGHC teams are off to cracking starts.

We have welcomed back many returning players from season 2022 as well as a few new faces. With this, the camaraderie we built in our first few seasons is only growing stronger and more diverse.

Our Firsts were promoted after reaching the grand final last year and currently sit strongly with a 3-0-1 record, while our Seconds stand firm with a record of 2-1-2.

We are experiencing an increase in activity around the club, whether it be support for the teams on the weekend, attendance at training or at social gatherings. This enthusiasm for hockey and mateship has been a wonder to see.

There is still time to get involved! If you’re interested, please contact Steven Payne on 0447 754 486

Tony Mulcahy OTGAFC President

Tom Cohen (OTG 2018) OTGHC Committee Member

Hugh Tyson (OTG 2013) as MC at the annual OTGAFC Business Lunch

Scan to view more photos from the OTGAFC Business Lunch via OTGO

Christopher Cohen, Drew Andrianopoulos, Mason Arthur, Peter Collins, Shiva Kotur, Cameron Crammond, Tom Truscott and Oliver Wilkie

Kris Spassopoulos (OTG 2008)

Soccer

The beginning of winter marks the halfway point of the 2023 FFV soccer season, and despite a difficult start, OTGSC have found a way to bounce back and are climbing the ladder slowly but surely. At the beginning of the season the club had limited success on the pitch due to an unprecedented number of injuries, however, with many players returning we are expecting to achieve big things in the second half of the season. While both our Seniors and Reserves are sitting in 9th position in their respective leagues, the title is very much open as all teams have recorded inconsistent results. Spirits are high in the OTGSC camp despite the challenge ahead!

Off the pitch, the club is looking forward to the upcoming Trivia Night, which provides an excellent opportunity to re-engage with old players and bring in new members. If you are interested in attending this event please reach out to Jeremy via email (see below). Our players are also keen for the end of season Presentation Night at the Del Rios Winery which always delivers a great time for all.

The OTGSC is currently supporting a Senior Men’s team and a Reserves Men’s team in the State League 5 East division. If you are interested in joining one of our teams or becoming a part of the club in a different capacity, please contact me by email at jeremyneylon1@gmail.com.

Cricket

As the winter chill sets in, the cricket enthusiasts at the OTGCC are already starting to turn their attention to Season 2023/24.

With "pre-season training" (in inverted commas for a reason...) set to commence in just a few months, now is the time to reach out if you are thinking about rolling the arm over.

The Old Trinity Cricket Club competes in the MCC Club XI with teams in Division 1 and Division 3. Playing against traditional rivals such as Xavier, Scotch and Melbourne High, the competition is a great blend of competitive yet very social cricket – all played on some of the best grounds in Victoria. We play exclusively 40over matches so you don't have to fear spending an entire day in the field!

We are always looking to welcome new players (regardless of age or ability) so please get in contact with me ( sebnicolosi15@gmail.com ) or anybody else you may know at the club and we can add you to our communications channels.

Looking forward to another big season!

Water Polo

The Old Trinity Otters Water Polo Club was able to celebrate a long awaited first league premiership in April with a resounding 13-goal victory over the opposition.

Over the course of the season, there were huge contributions from a variety of players, including Captain Sam Bennett (OTG 2019) who was the leading scorer in the State League 4 competition.

Fellow Otters Mike Ridley, Alex Paterson (OTG 2005) , Jayson Papadopoulos (OTG 2014) , and Josh Sekulovski (OTG 2015) among others were vital in the club’s first flag. The Otters have also been excited to welcome current Trinity Year 10 students Ollie Nemtsas and Nick Vildovas into the side. Both have fit in well and made strong in-pool contributions.

In the current Autumn/Winter competition, the club remains undefeated, with two wins from as many games. Despite the cold of winter setting in, the team has still been getting down to train at the Trinity pool on Monday nights, testing their bodies and heart rates on a weekly basis.

The club is looking forward to the future and new players are always welcome to join the positive and friendly culture of water polo enthusiasts. If you are interested in joining, please email Ed at ecasmith1998@gmail.com or contact us via the club’s OTGO page. Also, for more frequent updates of the club’s exploits, the club’s Instagram handle is @otgotters

Ed Smith (OTG 2017) OTGWPC President

Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013) OTGSC President

Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012) OTGCC President

Hugh Krantz (OTG 2009)

Daniel Sekulovski (OTG 2018)

In Memoriam

We were saddened to learn of the passing of the following members of the Trinity community. On behalf of the school and the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, we offer our condolences to their families and friends.

Just short of his 100th birthday and our oldest old boy, Keith’s daughter notified us of his passing in April. Keith was a member of the St Paul’s Choir, a member of Arnold House and served in the AIF WWII.

Gary passed away in April in Burragate NSW, where he had lived for the last 42 years. He is survived by his children Jarrah, Zac and Celeste.

In 1962 at Trinity, Gary was Athletics Captain and still (jointly) holds the school record in the 100m event, 10.83 seconds. He is also in our Gallery of Achievement under the Olympian category.

John, of Castlemaine, sadly passed away in May. John’s brother David (OTG 1971) dec. and nephews Lachlan (OTG 2006) and Mathew (OTG 2008) also attended Trinity.

Gary dominated the Australian National Championships during 1963 through to 1971 in the 100-yard sprint; 220 yards; 400 metres and the 400-metre relay. He represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 at the age of 19 followed by the 1966 Commonwealth Games. However, unfortunately a stress fracture in his foot ruled him out of the Mexico games in 1968 where he was the favourite in the 100-yard sprint.

Despite being a former Olympian, his proudest achievement was his three children, whose happiness meant everything to him.

Paul was a resident of Queensland and during his time at Trinity a member of Merritt House.

David was a member of Merritt House. His father, Rev Charles Withington, was on staff at Trinity from 1963 to 1966. John was a member of the St Paul’s Choir.

John passed away recently in Caloundra. He lived a multifaceted life: an intrepid adventurer, traveller and seafarer; a talented singer, MC, actor and showman; a gifted golfer; a canny realtor; a private hospital investor and board member; a strawberry, avocado and mango farmer; an entertaining raconteur; and general bon vivant.

At Trinity, John and his brothers, Raymond (OTG 1949-54) and Peter (OTG 1962-68) were all members of Arnold House.

*This submission originally appeared in Edition 1 2023 of The Trinity Grammarian with the image incorrectly listed

Keith Bainbridge (OTG 1935-38)

John Dettmer (OTG 1969-73)

Paul Howey (OTG 1947-52)

David Withington (OTG 1959-64)

John Wright (OTG 1940-44)

John Doolan (OTG 1949-56)*

Gary Eddy (OTG 1957-62)

Daryl Daley (OTG 1946-56)

In 1925, John E. Daley came to Trinity as a Year 8 student, commencing a long personal and family association with Trinity Grammar School. John became an alumnus-parent of the school in 1946 when he sent his son, Daryl Daley as a little Grade 2 student under Marjorie Owen in her composite Grade 2-3 class.

The Head of Junior School, John Watson, was a great influence, encouraging Daryl’s lifelong passion with the recorder - Daryl went on to be a founding member of the Canberra Early Music Society in later life.

As a Year 9 student, Daryl was influenced greatly by John Pottage who set Daryl significant mathematical problems, while A.G. Paradissis took an extra French dictation and oral class after school. As an academic, Daryl mixed these inspirations together as a translator of German and Russian mathematical papers. John Pottage was also the Athletics Master, having run in the marathon at the 1930 Auckland Commonwealth Games. He encouraged Daryl’s middle-distance running, which he continued through school and university during the exciting years when John Landy and others were breaking the 4-minute mile. Daryl was just less than a minute behind them.

At the end of Year 9, Daryl was encouraged to accelerate directly into Year 11 as he was not working to his potential. He thrived on the extra academic challenges, leading to an academic career in Mathematics and Statistics, at ANU for over 25 years as a Senior Research Fellow and eventually Professor of Mathematics and Statistics.

While Daryl was at school, his father was a member of School Council and eventually Chair from 1966 through to 1975. During his time on Council, Trinity acquired the property at Bulleen to become Trinity’s excellent sporting facilities. It is an extraordinary honour that the main oval is named after John Daley.

Daryl is celebrated in Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement and is survived by his wife, Nola, his three sons (one of whom is teaching at Trinity now) and his five grandchildren.

30 years of the Trinity/Ruyton Coordinate Program

2023 marks the 30th year of the Coordinate Program: the senior years co-education collaboration between Trinity Grammar School and Ruyton Girls’ School.

The "Trinity/Ruyton Association" commenced as a trial in 1993 when the schools combined Year 12 classes which had small numbers; Ruyton students studied German and Physical Education at Trinity, whilst Trinity students attended Ruyton for English Literature and French. By 1995 the association had been formalised as the "Coordinate Program" and expanded to include many more subjects at both Years 11 and 12.

Of course, the links between Trinity and Ruyton stretch back many generations and across numerous families. In earlier decades, Trinity and Ruyton boarders would attend services in Holy Trinity Church, decorously sitting on opposite sides of the aisle. Social events included the Prefects’ Socials held in the old Arnold Hall, debating and interschool sports matches: baseball in the 1920s and netball today. The ever-popular dancing lessons were first held in the 1930s and regular collaboration between the Music and Drama departments began with performances in 1962.

There were academic connections too; from as early as 1914, some boys began their education at the Ruyton kindergarten before moving on to Trinity aged seven or eight. Today we offer our own co-educational experience in the Early Learning Centre.

However, the Coordinate Program was not Trinity’s first foray into educating girls. Operating during the 1930s, St Hilary’s East Kew, Trinity’s Branch Preparatory school, enrolled more girls than boys and during World War II, Ruyton students studied Physics and German at Trinity. In the 1970s, 14 girls from Preshil School were invited to complete their HSC at Trinity while their own school developed its secondary section.

From the tentative beginnings of just four subjects in 1993, the Coordinate Program now offers 65 different subjects across the two schools with each offering 12 subjects exclusively: at Trinity this includes classes in Australian and Global Politics, Algorithmics, VET Hospitality and German.

Academically, the initiative produces outstanding results with students frequently achieving Study Scores of 50 in subjects which they have studied at the other school as part of the Coordinate Program. Over 30 years, the Coordinate Program has succeeded in allowing each school to maintain its own identity whilst promoting greater subject selection opportunities, student and staff collaboration, friendship and respect between the Trinity and Ruyton communities.

Maureen McAuley Archivist

STUDENT INSIDER

Hi! We’re Jamie and Ben, and in case you missed the last edition’s Grammarian, we run the Roxeth – Trinity’s weekly student-led publication.

Our job is to publish the news that matters - whether it be Mr Borg recently graduating from L to P plates; ascertaining how old Mr Farrer really is; or posing the question, would 1,000 rats or 20 gorillas win in a fight? (Hint: resident Biologist, Mr Elliott reckons the gorillas)…

We’ve compiled another roundup of Roxeth highlights for your perusal – happy reading!

House Athletics

Athletics Day is always a highlight of the House Calendar, with 2023’s event seeing Arnold take first place, and Sutton finishing last (again…)

We also filmed and edited an Instagram takeover of the day.

WATCH IT HERE!

Maintenance INTERVIEW

Behind an innocuous-looking door at the Cotham Road site lives a world of heavy-duty tools, constant banter, and rivalry with the gardeners – the HQ of the TGS Maintenance Team. One lunchtime, we sat down with Lachie, Dan, Harris and Tony from Maintenance to ask some questions. While Tony has been working at TGS since 2004, the other three are recent OTGs, graduating in 2019.

Dan, you’ve come back to TGS to work in the Maintenance team whilst finishing your Uni degree - how has this differed from life as a student?

Dan: When you’re a student, you see the finished product of everything: the perfectly manicured oval, the seats in the Gym for Senior School Assemblies, the fact that there aren’t any leaves on the footpaths in the morning because someone cleared them. Joining the Maintenance team has given me a realisation of the silent achievers who make our school tick.

How’s the relationship with your former teachers now that you’re on the payroll too?

Dan: It’s a very different dynamic. Now that you’re both adults, it feels as if you’re on the same level – we get along really well.

Harris: But, it still feels a little strange calling Mr Farrer “Adrian” now…

Tony: Although we might have a different break room, we’ll often head over to the Staff Room to make use of the hot chocolate machine.

Does anyone have a favourite task on the job?

Harris: My favourite task would probably be setting up for Assemblies – it’s so satisfying to perfectly align the carpet squares.

Lachie: Even events like Presentation Night – the kind of jobs where we’re all together – those are the most enjoyable.

Who’s the quiet achiever of the Maintenance Team? The Maintenance MVP…

harris: We obviously have to mention John Summers. He’s an OTG, and this is his 40th year in the department. Trinity is in his blood – and well he’s in Trinity’s blood too.

Tony: Definitely. Another shoutout would be Andrew Fabris, our leader. He runs a tight ship, but a very good ship.

Dan: I would say the best thing about work every day is the people – like those two.

Lachie: Driving into work, you know you’re going to have a good time, have a laugh, and enjoy the banter.

Dan: You can’t say that about every workplace.

The maintenance jersey retirement ceremonies are a fitting reminder of the contribution made by casual maintenance staff to Trinity Grammar School