The Trinity Grammarian - July 2020

THE TRINITY

GRAMMARIAN Vol 35 No 2 | July 2020

July 2020 | 1

Boys have been enjoying the new cafeteria

From the School Council In amongst all the madness and turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic, it was so pleasing to see our students return to on-campus learning in late May. It restored a small sense of normality for us all in what has been an extraordinary first half of the year.

Trinity has adapted very well to everything that the pandemic has uncorked to date. Sincere thanks to the tremendous efforts of our staff over the past few months for handling the changed needs with aplomb. The understanding and support afforded by parents and guardians during this period has also been greatly appreciated.

Sadly, economic insecurity triggered by the pandemic has created ill-winds and will undoubtedly create more in the future. When the school announced fee support measures in April, there were wonderful examples of families remitting the full fee and making further donations with a direction to assist any Trinity families in need. Council sincerely thanks these families for their kindness.

We are sensitive to any specific need families may have; please do contact our Principal, Adrian Farrer, in that regard.

All the challenges of the first half of the year have certainly stress-tested Adrian and his Senior Leadership Team. I am pleased to report that they have responded extremely well.

Irrespective of what the future holds, we can be quietly confident in the strengths of the Trinity community to take care of one another.

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It is pleasing to advise that in the past few weeks a fabulous new cafeteria has opened in our Senior School. Seating capacity has been more than doubled with open air ‘university styling’ introduced. It is hoped that, as well as providing a greatly enhanced core service to the entire school, this space will introduce another collaborative informal study area for students.

Council is now preparing for longer-term planning work with Adrian to adopt a fresh strategic direction. To that end, from the start of Term 3, Simon Gipson OAM will take on the role of Chair of the School Council. Simon was recently honoured with an OAM for service to secondary education and has been a valuable member of Council since September 2018.

He is a highly regarded and skilled educator, with very relevant experience that will greatly assist our Principal, Council and the school in the coming years.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the Trinity community for their wholehearted support of the school over the past two years whilst I have been Chair of Council. We are so fortunate to enjoy such tremendous voluntary service.

We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please contact us at schoolcouncil@trinity.vic.edu.au John Gillam School Council

John Gillam addresses eager Junior School students at the opening of their new playground in 2019

Thank You, John Gillam The work that John Gillam has done as Chair of School Council has been quite extraordinary. He has led a transformation of the school’s governance structure to move our community into the future, having learned some difficult lessons from the past. The changes made during John’s time have been structural and cultural. These have included the introduction of a new constitution, the addition of the Stakeholder Group and renewal of each position on the Council.

If we were looking to explain his service, John is the father of an Old Boy, but the reality is that he has invested in the school’s health and direction with enormous commitment well beyond most. Along the way he has most particularly championed those who were marginalised by the worst bits of our school’s history. His sharp focus on HCSA matters has ensured that we are working hard to amend for our failure to care in the past.

John with Adrian Farrer and Simon Gipson

We have been enormously blessed by the effort, energy and advocacy that we have enjoyed from John during his time as Chair. As he steps down from this role, he does so with our thanks and with the knowledge that he has presided over a time in our history that has seen us move from wounded to proactive. With his good influence, we now look to a future remarkable for the lessons of the past being understood alongside the vision of the future.

Adrian Farrer Principal

John with School Captain Jack Stewart and his mother, Sarah, at the Bushfire fundraiser in February this year

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From the Principal 2020 has already been thick with life-changing events here in Australia and across the world, creating a new context for the way we are living and delivering education. My generation was born into a world tense with Cold War realities, my younger colleagues have had an upbringing shaped by the forces of terrorism and today’s school aged children are hurriedly negotiating the arrival of the next normal amidst a pandemic swiftly redefining modern life and the struggle of society to conquer racism.

We are thoroughly global citizens. That has been a common concept for quite a while, but generally it is positively phrased to capture the possibilities of international travel, understandings and opportunities. It has been reshaped by the pandemic, as the tentacles of the virus have brought a common caution to the way we lead our lives, even if we have benefitted from Australia’s various advantages of a ‘natural’ isolation. There are global benefits of the shift in habits brought on by COVID-19. Emerging improvements to the natural world have made headlines too, of late. A recovery of Venice’s canals (minus the bogus dolphin photos from early on) and less smog in emerging countries have been welcome

Stan Grant addresses Trinity students

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advances. Diminished daily urgency in our lives, the near eradication of other entrenched illnesses and the rebirth of positive family time can be counted as silver linings for those fortunate enough to have those experiences.

The pandemic has brought with it some tough times.

At Trinity, we have not escaped the financial stress that the community is under. School Council’s move to offer rebates for Term 2 fees, amongst other measures to assist our families, was most appreciated. Various limbs of our community reached out to support those in need. Thank you.

We have had some new things to negotiate during this semester. Moving to a school that did not assemble each day was counter-intuitive at least, but it revealed that there are many strings to our bows. Our Information Technology department has risen to the challenge with aplomb. The crew has worked hard, and well, over the course of three months to acclimatise our whole school community to the realities and possibilities of the online environment. It was not the perfect way to undertake schooling, but it was a demonstration of elegant agility and admirable teamwork under pressure.

We are grateful to Wurundjeri Elder, Bill Nicholson, who carried out the smoking ceremony to mark Reconciliation Week

The recent worldwide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s awful death have focused our attention again on the problems of racism in the community. Our students had the great privilege of hearing from a most impressive Australian, Stan Grant, in our online Reconciliation Assembly. His is a calm and deliberate voice in the Australian context, and he was able to convey to all our students the need for all of us to contribute to an improved reality for Indigenous Australia.

His focus on looking forward and creating a country of which we can all be proud, resonated with our senior students who took part in a smoking ceremony on the same morning. On the same day, Minneapolis’ streets were being overrun with riots.

This year will be looked back upon as quite extraordinary.

I suspect for many it will be the pandemic or the nature of global politics which will define it. For those of us at Trinity, we deserve to look back on the first semester as a time when we gathered together to conquer the challenges at hand.

We can be proud of the community spirit that has been so evident in the face of challenge. If that is what we remember – the way we responded – then the new normal for our young people will be more about what is possible, and less about what was a challenge.

One of the powerful statements Stan Grant made during his Reconciliation Assembly address to our students was: ‘This is your challenge – forging a new country – bringing together the idea of an Australia that includes all of us, our ancient past and our lived Australia today.’ We have all been along an extraordinary journey this year so far. We are well placed to learn the lessons of today and ensure that the young people in our care can define this part of their lives as one when the world made progress, despite the challenges at hand.

Adrian Farrer Principal

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2020 The brand new Trinity cafeteria

Trinity Eats – The Cafeteria Rebooted In 1938, Headmaster Frank Shann received a sketch from Gawler and Drummond Architects for a tuckshop, with fittings, to be built ‘in the first-class manner’ at an approximate cost of £850 ($1600 in today’s money). The black and white photograph from 1926 on the right shows the rudimentary first iteration of the tuckshop. It looks more like a bar! But, just visible on the counter are scales that were presumably used to weigh out the lollies the boys would purchase.

Of course, World War Two broke out in 1939 and an upgrade to the tuckshop was put on the back burner, until the summer break of 1949, when Trinity’s P&F (Parents and Friends) took matters into their own hands remodelling and enlarging the tuckshop. According to the school’s history For the Green and the Gold and the Mitre ‘on 5 March 1949, the revamped facility was officially opened by the Hon Robert Menzies MHR.’ The image from 1970 shows a more extravagant setup – a purpose-built tuckshop on the site where the Junior School Reception and the Junior School Principal’s office now stand. Behind the queue of eager, hungry boys is the Taffs Oval, with Charles Street just beyond. This was constructed in 1964 as part of a redevelopment to provide more science facilities at Trinity.

One of the wonderful parents who ran the tuckshop in those days was Marysia Poynter, whose sons, Justin (OTG 1991) and Simon (OTG1994), attended the school. Marysia’s

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uncle-in-law was Professor John Poynter (OTG 1947), after whom the Poynter Building and now the Poynter Level of the Tudor Centre were named. She recalls selling sandwiches with all sorts of fillings, pies, pasties and sausage rolls, as well as ‘Specials’ of Asian food, such as fried rice, which one of the mothers made for the boys. Perusing the menus over the years, it would seem that not much has changed. Even in 1968, sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls, fruit and flavoured milk were staples. In those days, however, boys could buy an ‘Oslo Lunch’ (triple-decker cheese and salad sandwiches, half a pint of milk and a piece of fruit for 25 cents!), or sandwiches made with peanut butter, jam or creamed honey – all absent on today’s menu, either for health reasons or lack of popularity.

1926

1970

1990

In 1990, the tuckshop was relocated again, this time to the ground floor of the Shann Building, where it remains to this day. During the move, the humble tuckshop transformed into a cafeteria. At the same time, the area between the Shann and Poynter Buildings (now the Tudor Centre), was covered with a glass roof to provide a more sheltered area for boys to eat and gather.

This area is a hub where the boys can congregate and refuel. It is the school’s ‘pool room’: a wall of plaques celebrates every sports team that has completed a season undefeated. In the Trinity Revue (a satirical look at the year), there are always quips about the prices in the cafeteria; yet, the boys can’t keep away from the food. Year 11 student Cinque Howells’ iconic sketch (created when he was only in Year 7!) captures perfectly the popularity of ‘Fish’n’Chip Fridays’ – even staff have been known to race from their classrooms to join the queue!

2016

And now, in 2020, 30 years after moving to its current location, our renovated cafeteria is open for (cashless) business. Inviting, spacious and modern, this architecturally-designed space is already proving a hit with staff and boys – and that is before the weather has permitted the opening of the large, cantilevered doors and the option of outside ‘café-style’ dining! With almost double the seating of the previous space, this technology-free zone is able to cater to more students.

Boys are encouraged to come together at recess and lunch to chat and enjoy the range of healthy menu options made possible by the fully equipped kitchen.

Importantly, the needs of all students have been considered in this thoughtful design as there are also facilities for them to prepare and heat up meals brought from home, before they join their friends at the communal tables.

Friday Lunchtime by Cinque Howells

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Together Online At the end of Term 1, in a pre-emptive move to reduce the impact of the onslaught of COVID-19, Trinity moved to a Distance Learning Program. Students and staff alike retreated to their homes and to a new way of teaching and learning.

There was no time to fear change, Distance Learning had to be wholeheartedly embraced as there was no alternative.

Some of our international students had been unable to return to Australia for Term 1, due to the rapid spread of the virus in their home countries. We were inspired by our colleagues who had been teaching these students online for weeks already. ‘If we can do it, you can do it!’ they told those of us who were quite frankly terrified that the technology would fail and that our students would suffer from the lack of interaction. Fortunately, Trinity had a secret weapon: its IT Department. As a school, Trinity has always been progressive when it comes to technology, but the experience of COVID-19 revealed the expertise and dedication of our specialists in this area. The amount of support provided for staff and students was outstanding and enabled us to deliver a complete educational program during this extraordinary period.

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It may be argued that Distance Learning is less challenging for older students who have a greater ability to self-motivate and are able to spend longer sitting in front of a computer without requiring assistance. For our younger students in the ELC and the Junior School, and their teachers and parents, this period was undoubtedly especially difficult. Our teachers and IT Department worked to ensure that the platforms used were accessible and user-friendly; they designed and devised activities to stimulate and enrich children who were separated from their friends and unable to engage in their normal activities.

Finally, the IT Department and Trinity’s Leadership Team strove to transmit the heart of Trinity into our homes via our laptops. Using technology, they created fun fitness videos, puzzles and quizzes; filmed assemblies and the ANZAC Service delivered to an almost empty gymnasium; and livestreamed Chapel Services, the Reconciliation Breakfast and guest speakers, such as Stan Grant. In this way, our community was enabled to maintain a connection with each other and with the school.

We are very grateful to all those who made the Distance Learning Program such a successful, even enriching, experience. On these two pages, we have placed some images reflecting our time in lockdown.

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From the Early Learning Centre With children there will always be a sense of wonder.

The ELC is a caring, stimulating and exciting place. It provides a secure base from which children can investigate and explore their world. We see young children as competent, unique individuals able to construct their own learning through play. They are allowed unhurried time to explore, investigate and create. We provide a range of learning experiences that aim to foster self-esteem, resilience, reflection, imagination, curiosity and the motivation to become lifelong learners.

Initially we asked, how can we recreate this learning at home?

With inspiration, collaboration and dedication, the ELC team embarked on a new learning journey alongside the children.

Our desire was to share the children’s interests, strengths and capabilities, and provide opportunities and possibilities for each child to reflect their unique experiences, lives and families. We wanted children to be able to actively explore their environment, to discover and create using a variety of materials that were freely available and lent themselves to innovative uses.

Family involvement and community was paramount through this process, just as it is on campus. Maintaining and building relationships was a core value that we as educators kept front of mind when designing and creating learning opportunities. The rich insight into the children’s lives has strengthened our relationships with them and their families. The genuine connection between the children and educators was evident as insightful moments and personal achievements were shared: new puppies, Lego constructions, birthdays, recycled art creations, riding a bike without training wheels, a new love of drawing or favourite spaces in their homes and gardens.

Another focus for us was our children’s emotional intelligence as ‘Students who can recognise, understand, label, express and regulate their emotions have better relationships, perform better in school, and are less anxious and depressed, and the same is true for educators.’ (Brackett et al, 2019; Kashdan et al, 2015; Durlack et al, 2011). This was something we focused on each day as the children checked in to their daily routine.

Through stories, songs, discussion, yoga and mindfulness, the children tapped into their emotions. Often, they would share their thoughts with us: • I was happy today when I sang ‘Charlie over the ocean’.

• I feel happy today because I got a teddy bear from Trinity.

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• I feel shy today because I don’t feel like I want to talk.

• I am happy because I get to see my teacher and my friends on the computer.

• I am excited because the virus is going and I will see my friends soon.

• Today I am happy and calm.

One family shared that, inspired by what they had read online, they had created a window of rainbows and hearts as a sign of solidarity and hope. The rainbow is a symbol of positivity, hope and togetherness and was a good starting point for a community project that would include and connect all children.

smile. As we resume face-to-face teaching and reconnect as a group, we turn to the word ‘togetherness’. We are beginning to really wonder and investigate what this word means. We were together even when we were learning from home.

We asked the children: what is togetherness?

• It’s right now, it’s here, it’s eating lunch together.

• It’s seeing your friends.

• You’re next to your friends and playing with them in the same room.

• We can play footy together outside.

We reached out to our aged care community and created rainbows to send to them to brighten their walls. The children used many different materials to make their rainbows at home, including Lego pieces, natural objects, paper and fabric and then they took photos of their creations. We shared our joy of learning and spread the cheer into the wider community.

Our memories of our Distance Learning experience will be forever cemented in our learning journey. We have developed and forged stronger bonds. We have explored new ways of learning, learnt many new technology skills and joined together, even when learning apart. Time spent with children will always create magic moments to appreciate and learn from.

Amongst the rapid changes of the past couple of months, which at times have seemed overwhelming, there have been some amazing moments that have made us stop, savour and

Naomi Wright Acting Director of the Early Learning Centre

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From the Junior School Learning in the Time of COVID-19 The world-renowned MIT social scientist, Donald Schon, wrote a wonderful book called The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Whilst first published in 1984, much of its content has been extremely relevant during the period of Distance Learning. The transition into and out of Distance Learning has provided many learning experiences and, as Schon recommends, key opportunities for reflection. Schon proposes that one should engage in three forms of reflection during times of crisis: 1. Reflection-on-action – looking back on experiences to evaluate reasoning processes used 2. Reflection-in-action – occurs as we watch ourselves in action 3. Reflection-for-action – forecasting how we will use what we have learned based on the previous two Students, staff and parents of the Junior School have engaged in all three types of reflection over the past few weeks and months, and a key theme has emerged: Inclusion.

Artwork by Georgie Antonopoulos in Year 5

When reflecting in- and on-action it was clear to see that students made progress in their learning and personal development. Teachers adapted lessons, activities and broader planning to allow access to a wider variety of student abilities and individual situations. Students demonstrated great resilience, independence and perseverance to ensure they continued to tackle the challenges presented. Parents built a deeper understanding of their child’s approaches to learning and of the relationships they have developed with their teachers and peers. Microsoft Teams meetings brought students and teachers together, not only as a means of assisting learning, but also as a social connection opportunity and a chance to support one another emotionally. The underlying current of the need for inclusion, and to keep all members of our community connected, was at the core of the program.

When reflecting on for-action, the rapid upskilling of our community and the deeper connectedness to learning achieved as a result has enabled the Junior School to expedite improvement of its reporting mechanisms. Again, inclusion has been at the heart of this endeavour as the school aims to further strengthen the bond between each student, their teacher and their parents. Further inclusivity is achieved as the Junior School aligns with the Senior School in this respect and subsequently creates opportunity for a smoother transition from Year 6 to Year 7.

When we reflect on Distance Learning, it is clear there were many challenges but also many benefits. Our community has developed deeper connections and broadened our capacity to include everyone. This is an achievement of which we can all be proud.

Photograph by Year 5 student Hamish Baddon

Digital Innovation During the period of Distance Learning, students in the Junior School took pride in their work and adapted to their new environment of Distance Learning. ELC to Year 6 boys joined their teachers for daily video conferencing sessions with small group discussions and workshops, whole class touch points and wellbeing sessions.

Seesaw, a digital portfolio platform, was also introduced from the ELC to Year 6 to increase communication and feedback between students and teachers. Students regularly uploaded work samples through the multimedia options, which allowed teachers to review the work and provide meaningful feedback. We also extended Painting by Heli Cheung in Year 3 12 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

This drawing is by Sam Batt in Year 6

access to Seesaw to families who could download the app and receive the feedback and work samples in real time. The student digital portfolio is going to be an essential component of our reporting process as we continue to build on the positive actions of Distance Learning. As a Junior School, we are committed to providing our parents and students regular, targeted feedback through this digital portfolio in addition to our semester reports.

Music A Music class is really an ensemble, as all students sing, play and move together to build aural and literacy skills. During the Distance Learning Program, students had the chance to work through the materials at their own pace, practising skills as often as they needed and adding original flair to the tasks. To cater for different levels of experience, students in Years 5 and 6 were able to undertake tasks of varied degrees of difficulty to suit their own learning needs. All year levels explored music through movement, listening, reading and writing. The videos, sound files and written work that were submitted gave us a wonderful opportunity to see and hear the work of each student and to understand their learning stages in more depth.

Art Students in the Junior School continued to develop their artistic skills throughout the recent period of Distance Learning. They covered a range of art forms including photography, painting and drawing and were given the freedom to choose their own media. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to challenge themselves creatively and produce unique artworks independently.

Physical Education

Luke Gorski working in the Junior School Library

Horus Cheung in Year 5 created this artwork

The challenges of Distance Learning were immediately apparent to the Junior School Physical Education staff, as Physical Education is a subject which relies on individual, small group and entire class participation, as well as physical interaction between the teacher and their class. Being isolated at home inspired us to devise a program to keep individual students engaged. Our focus was to make our program fun, engaging and to ensure everyone remained active every day for a minimum of 30 minutes.

The importance of removing yourself from screens and engaging in physical activity is paramount for the mental health and wellbeing of an individual. Therefore, our plan was to reinforce the importance of physically practising motor skills daily and to keep a daily record of physical activity and wellbeing through a range of activities posted on Seesaw.

This allowed for both the sharing of information and close monitoring of each student’s progress throughout the time we were isolated. The program also allowed the Physical Education staff to upskill by linking up regularly on Microsoft Teams with classes and sharing learning experiences with all the students in the Junior School.

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Music Remembrance of Things Past – such a well-known title, which aptly describes our thoughts and feelings during the unforgettable period of Distance Learning.

The House Performing Arts Festival was livestreamed from the McIntyre Gym on Thursday 12 March; the new venue and method of communication became the harbinger of what was to come.

The next day, the Music staff commenced planning for what would be a great and exciting challenge – how to continue teaching a subject which relies primarily on face-to-face interaction and reaction, physical activity, both fine and gross motor skills, aural awareness, high level analysis, subjective response and performance, in this unfamiliar environment?

On the cusp of lockdown – Henty House won at the House Performing Arts Festival, which was livestreamed to families

How to adapt to the new standards of social distancing in an area where large ensembles rehearse and perform in close proximity?

Every member of the Trinity community will have an individual recollection of this period, but my experience has been of absolute pride in our Trinity musicians who accepted the challenge and demonstrated immediate adaptability, flexibility, honesty, autonomous learning, respectful teamwork, clear communication and genuine support of one another.

Kevin Jia having a percussion lesson at home

These are all skills for life, so the time was indeed well spent.

Our musicians had freedom of choice regarding how to reallocate their normal commute and down time: sleep in or get up and practise?

Students were encouraged to listen to recordings of their individual and ensemble repertoire with thought and insight – there was sufficient time to acknowledge the importance of the art of listening in all subjects and in our interaction with others.

Teachers created amazing resources for their individual instrumental or voice students and for full classes.

The anticipation, nerves, excitement and satisfaction associated with live performance are the feelings we miss the most – for ourselves as performers within the school community, but also for the professional Arts world.

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Musicians performing at a livestreamed assembly

As we gradually return to normal school life amongst the warning signs, distance markers, disinfectant and sanitiser, we accept the reality, maintain a positive mindset, and thank The Beatles for their apt description of TGS, T2, 2020: • Help!

• I Want to Hold your Hand

• Magical Mystery Tour

• Here Comes the Sun

• The Long and Winding Road

• Let It Be

• All Things Must Pass Michelle Stanic Director of Music

Lord of the Flies As Trinity’s new Head of Drama, Ryan Bowler, wrote in the program for this year’s Senior School Play, Nigel Williams’ adaptation of William Golding’s dystopian novel Lord of the Flies, ‘The old adage “The show must go on” has never been more important.’ He also noted that when the restrictions due to COVID-19 were imposed just before opening night, the disappointment felt by cast and crew, who had been preparing for months, was palpable; yet ‘Our young people demonstrated the opposite to what their characters show when faced with adversity. They banded together as a drama community to support, comfort and guide one another through this challenge.

For this, they are to be commended.’

Director Stewart Lucy explained that the play can be seen as a ‘vehicle to explore the concept of moral ecology’ using three distinct styles of theatre: Naturalism, Surrealism and the Theatre of Cruelty. Instead of performing to a live audience, the Trinity and Ruyton students involved were filmed at their final dress rehearsal. At the time, this would have been something of an anti-climax, but now it seems their work may be made accessible to a much wider audience as Mr Lucy prepares for a ‘première’ video broadcast of the performance. Stay tuned…!

Nicholas Fallaw and Charly Oakley

The fire goes out

Archie Shaw, Anton Ruiz-Pedley and Cinque Howells

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Trinity Congratulates The headline for the photograph that accompanied The Age Schools That Excel article was ‘Eastern winners stand apart in a crowded field’.

In the photograph above (taken on the same day) Principal Adrian Farrer, School Captain Jack Stewart and Captain of the Junior School Wesley Collins practise social distancing on another field, the Birrell Oval in front of the Chapel

Premier’s Awards Congratulations to the following students whose outstanding performance in the 2019 VCE was recognised with a VCE Premier’s Award. These awards are given to the highest achieving students in each VCE subject. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the awards ceremony has been postponed; however, we celebrated these students’ remarkable achievements at a recent assembly. Even more remarkably, three of these five students are still at Trinity. Haydn Tang was only in Year 10 when he completed the VCE in Mathematical Methods, while Rishov Doloi and Edward Spink undertook their Unit 3 and 4 studies in Year 11. We commend all these students on their success.

Rishov Doloi – Biology Daniel Gu – English Hadyn Tang – Mathematical Methods Edward Spink – Australian History (with Virtual School Victoria)

Jennifer Wu – Ancient History (Jennifer, a Ruyton student, studied Ancient History at Trinity as part of the Coordinate Program)

The Age Schools that Excel Trinity was recognised in the 2020 The Age Schools That Excel Award for being the Eastern Melbourne (nongovernment) school with the best growth in VCE results over the past 10 years.

In announcing the award, Adam Carey, Education Editor for The Age, noted that in 2019, Trinity’s median study score was 36, its equal best score in a 10-year period in which its median has never dropped below 34. Additionally, 26.1 per cent of its individual study scores were above 40, its second-best performance in 10 years. Principal Adrian Farrer attributed

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these results to the strong work ethic espoused by the school. He said that Trinity’s teachers dedicated themselves fully to maintaining such consistently strong results, just as students were expected to: ‘There’s no magical academic formula that leads you there. Work ethic is key.’ Mr Farrer explained that this dedication extends to all areas of life and that Trinity students engage with all aspects of the school program. Their school day might begin with a dawn rowing session on the Yarra, and end with violin practice at night, ‘Music is as important as our maths, and footy matters as much as our physics.’

Queen’s Birthday Honours We congratulate those members of the Trinity Community who were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Professor Matthew Gillespie (OTG 1977) received an AM for significant service to tertiary education administration, and to medical research.

Current member (and now Chair) of School Council, Simon Gipson, was honoured with an OAM for service to secondary education. Amongst other roles over the years, Simon was Principal of St Michael’s Grammar School in St Kilda for 18 years.

Former parent Professor Andrew Roberts was honoured with an OAM for significant service to medical research, to haematology, and to cancer organisations.

Professor Elizabeth Tudor received an AM for significant service to veterinary science, to tertiary education, and to animal welfare. This is an impressive addition to the family collection – former Trinity Headmaster Rick Tudor received an OAM in 2013 for services to education and to the community.

The First XI Hockey team are back at training - on the refurbished pitch!

Marking 30 Years of AGSV Hockey Since the 1960s, Trinity has played hockey as an interschool sport. In 1990, it became an AGSV sport and Trinity shared the inaugural AGSV Hockey Premiership with Essendon Grammar School. Since then, Trinity has won a further six hockey premierships (in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2016 and 2019) and three members of the 1990 premiership team (Stephen De Waele, Mark Taylor and Peter Pollock) are now Trinity parents.

On the 30-year anniversary of hockey becoming an AGSV sport, we are pleased to announce that the renovation of the Craig Hockey Field is complete. The Craig Hockey Field, located in the Bulleen Playing Fields complex, is named after Michael Craig (OTG 1948). Michael was School Captain, Captain of the Australian Hockey Team at the 1960 Olympics, and a member of Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement. He was the guest of honour at the opening of the new Synthetic Hockey Field (as it was called then).

Hockey is an increasingly popular sporting choice among Trinity students, as both a summer and a winter sport. We are very fortunate to be able to draw on the expertise and enthusiasm of a number of staff, including Nicole Date, a coach with many years’ experience at Brunswick Hockey Club. As well as Nicole, the Teacher-in-Charge of Hockey, Kate Fewster, and the Coach of the First XI, Stephen Eddy, have also had a considerable influence on the increasing popularity and success of this sport at Trinity.

The students who play hockey tend to be passionate about the game and continue their interest once they leave school. Many of those on the 1990 premiership-winning team have continued to enjoy their hockey at the highest level, whilst others continue to play socially for fun and fitness. In the OTG section of this magazine, you can also read about the revival of the OTG Hockey Club, which is being coordinated by Steven Payne (OTG 2016).

Back row from left: Coach Mr Mason, Kit Sleeman, Sean Murray, Stephen De Waele, Jeremy Lim, Graham Lyle (GK) Front row: Matthew Holden, Geoff Harmer, Jason Manos, Andrew Wingrove (Captain), Mark Taylor, Julian Gooi and Peter Pollock

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At the start of the 2020 UN Walk for Women

Staff member Tyrone Bean with Douglas Briggs at the Reconciliation Breakfast

Mr Purcell and boys from Trinity take residents from Uganda’s Home of Hope on an outing

New OTGs on a post-VCE immersion in East Africa

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Participating in the Run for the Kids is an annual highlight

Trinity’s Boomerang Throwing Competition

All together we make a difference – a student reflects on the meaning of ‘Service’ ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’

Martin Luther King Jr Service is deeply embedded in Trinity’s culture and, indeed, it has become eminently clear to me during my time at the school that our commitment to serving others is part of who we are as a community. It was this distinct spirit that inspired a group of senior students to come together in 2015 to form Harambee. The name – Swahili for ‘all together’ – was adopted from their recognition that together they could make a difference and create long-lasting change in the lives of others. The program has since grown into a movement that spans the Junior School, Senior School, Old Trinity Grammarians and the parent community.

Harambee is the umbrella under which all of Trinity’s outreach and community service programs live. We work with not-for-profit organisations to invest in community and educational development on a local, national and international scale.

Trinity’s mission is for students to be ‘empowered to contribute to the global community’, and the Harambee program is the embodiment of this. As students we are provided with an array of opportunities to encourage us to grow as individuals and, through these experiences, to gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world and how we might contribute to the community around us.

On a local scale, Harambee’s work varies greatly and includes everything from supporting those in our society with mental health problems to tutoring primary school-aged children from refugee backgrounds. Looking nationally, Trinity is well-known for its Indigenous programs. The Dadirri initiative encompasses the school’s work with the Grow Hope Foundation and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. On an international level, we strive to break the cycle of poverty through life-changing partnerships with HopeBuilders International in Uganda, the Brother Beausang vocation centre in Kenya, Vineyard Missions in the Philippines, and a number of other groups.

Towards the end of 2019, at Trinity’s Leadership Retreat, the incoming captains and prefects, sitting in a lecture theatre at the University of Melbourne,

heard Simon Sinek’s suggestion that while all organisations know what they do and how they do it, great ones understand the ‘why’ behind all that they do. Whilst the boys involved in Harambee have changed over the years, our ‘why’ – to make a difference in the lives of those in need – has not. The other thing that has not changed is the constant energy from Mr Purcell, without whom Harambee would simply not be what it is today.

This year, our ‘why’ has driven us to further our work through a myriad of campaigns and events.

Following the devastating fires that swept across Australia in summer, Harambee played an integral role in the Dawn to Dusk Bushfire Fundraiser in February, ultimately raising $40,000 for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and $20,000 for Wildlife Victoria. Only two weeks later, scores of Trinity boys participated in the UN Walk for Women at the Royal Botanic Gardens to send a clear message from Trinity that violence against women is completely unacceptable. Then, when COVID-19 forced us to stay home, Trinity did not waiver in its commitment to service, rallying families behind the Good Grub cause so that over 300 of those in our community suffering from significant mental health problems could continue to be fed despite social isolation.

In May, we recognised National Reconciliation Week with a number of livestreamed, nonetheless vivid and vital, events, including the Reconciliation Breakfast and the inaugural House Boomerang Throwing Competition. As we walked with others on the journey towards building a nation strengthened by respect and equality, Harambee was able to raise nearly $3,500 in order to fund essential community initiatives at Gunbalanya in the Northern Territory. With Semester Two on the horizon, we certainly look forward to embarking on new adventures and grasping the opportunities it will bring.

We are six years in to the Harambee journey, but the best part is that this is just the beginning.

Nick Molnar Captain of Faith and Outreach

July 2020 | 19

Financial Report Trinity is a not-for-profit institution and operates successfully on the financial discipline of income exceeding operating expenditure, with the imperative that we strive to continually develop and improve our academic and extensive cocurricular program and facilities. The School Council endeavours to keep school fees as affordable as possible for parents and is conscious of the great sacrifice made by many parents to enable them to send their children to Trinity.

The completion of another year has enabled a review of the financial position of the school. The school prepares annual Financial Statements in accordance with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Law, and these are externally audited.

Tuition fees account for 87% of total income each year, with Federal and State Government grants providing approximately 11% of total income per annum.

The largest expense was direct educational expenditure on staff salaries and teaching resources which accounted for 58% of total expenditure. The greatest effect on quality teaching and learning for our boys is the quality of staff. The School Council will continue to invest in the future in our wonderful teaching and support staff.

Direct educational costs

8%

Maintenance, cleaning and grounds

8% 7%

Administration expenses

58%

Depreciation (non-cash) Scholarships & Bursaries

Income

2018

2019

$’000

$’000

Tuition fee income

48,076

49,295

Grants

5,542

6,330

Other income

934

895

54,452

56,520

Expenditure

2018

2019

Academic salaries and on-costs

22,891

25,008

Education expenses

7,373

7,726

Scholarships and bursaries

3,348

3,151

Depreciation (non-cash)

4,176

4,494

Maintenance, cleaning and grounds

4,196

4,300

Administration expenses

4,544

4,588

Significant one off and non-cash items

7,086

4,537

Finance and other costs

315

346

Retained for capital development

523

2,370

54,452

56,520

Over the past ten years the school has invested significantly in land, buildings, IT infrastructure and equipment. Such capital expenditure is funded by a combination of operating surpluses, donations and debt. Through prudent financial management and responsible fee increases, the school continues to ensure that quality teaching facilities are maintained.

Total Expenditure Significant one-off and non-cash items

A summary of the financial position of the School follows, along with comparative information from the previous year.

6% 6% 1%

Finance and other costs

In addition to the income noted in the table above, the school is grateful for the continued financial support of the Parents’ Association and OTGA, and the Annual Giving Appeal, capital donations and bequests from parents and past students.

Donations for the past four years are shown below:

Donations Donations $1,600,000

The school has achieved a strong operating cash surplus for the year, primarily due to strong enrolment numbers and tight cost control. Any surpluses are reinvested in the continuing advancement of the school.

$1,400,000

Over the past 2½ years, the School Council has acknowledged historical instances where Trinity likely failed in our duty of care to students. Such behaviour is abhorrent and the school has created non-cash reserves to develop appropriate restitution processes and services to support past students and staff.

$800,000

$1,200,000 $1,000,000

$600,000 $400,000 $200,000 2016

2017

2018

2019

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

20 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

From the Parents’ Association

Principal Adrian Farrer with the Convenors of the Trinity TLC Community Support Group, Angela Gill and Alice Noonan, who have just delivered food for the Trinity freezer to staff member Stacey Walker

In this time of uncertainty and change, I would like to congratulate Adrian Farrer and his team for their response to COVID-19. We have been blessed with the fantastic foresight, guidance and response of our school, its teachers and support staff. Parents have done an amazing job supporting our students’ transition to Distance Learning and I would like to celebrate the resilience of our community.

The Parents’ Association (PA) meeting details are published in the Trinity News and I encourage all Trinity parents and guardians to attend. In response to the current COVID-19 environment, the meetings are being held virtually. The change of format has facilitated the attendance of many parents and guardians who would otherwise, due to personal or work commitments, not be able to make the meetings held on school campus.

In addition, the Class Representative meetings are also virtual as we continue to observe social distancing. One of the innovative ways we have been able to stay connected to each other is through holding class level virtual social functions where parents have had a fun opportunity to catch up. The Class Representatives also established WhatsApp groups for all adult carers to support one another during the Distance Learning journey.

In Term 2, the PA welcomed a new sub-committee – the Trinity TLC Community Support Group. Trinity has had an amazing informal system over many years to provide meals for those in our community experiencing difficulty.

This approach is an effort to formalise this system and include a greater number of meal volunteers. The group will coordinate the supply of meals and lunchbox items to be delivered to families in our community in challenging times,

Kylie Oliver, Georgina McKay and Juli Moran in the Trinity Shop

such as during illness, hospitalisation, COVID-19-related difficulties or bereavements. Their role is to coordinate a roster of volunteers willing to prepare delicious food to fill the school freezer. When a little TLC is needed, the food is then distributed by the Trinity Leadership Team, ensuring discretion and confidentiality. If you would like to volunteer, please contact them via pa@trinity.vic.edu.au.

Hopefully, you have been able to take advantage of the swap process introduced at the Second-hand Uniform Shop. The shop has offered all families an opportunity to swap their uniforms for a better fit. Thank you to the volunteers who have opened the doors during the return-to-school period.

On behalf of the PA Executive and Committee, I would like to extend our warm invitation to join us at our next PA meeting.

We hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and well during this time. Our continued commitment to strict hygiene and physical distancing measures will save lives.

Heidi Pfeffer President of the Parents’ Association

July 2020 | 21

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Whilst only half-way through 2020, ‘may you live in interesting times’ is certainly an expression that aptly describes a year that began amidst some of the worst bushfires in Australia’s history before the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of not only our local community but our global community. The health and economic impacts have been dramatic with many OTGs and Trinity families facing challenging and distressing times.

In a short period of time, our lives transformed as social distancing entered our vernacular and working from home and distance education became the norm. All generations of OTGs have faced significant adjustments to their lifestyles and livelihoods whether it be studying online, facing disruption to employment, juggling working from home whilst caring for children, coping with isolation or dealing with the health concerns of themselves and loved ones.

Amidst all these challenges, common attributes we have witnessed across our community include resilience, an impressive willingness to adapt and a desire to support one another.

At a global level, we recognised Simon Moss (OTG 2000) who is a co-founder of Global Citizen and currently living in New York. Global Citizen was the organiser of the global virtual concert One World Together at Home in support of the World Health Organisation which featured some of the world’s leading global health experts and top artists and comedians.

Professor Michael Kidd

We were also proud to recognise the remarkable achievements of two OTGs at the forefront of Australia’s public health response to the pandemic. Professor Michael Kidd AM (OTG 1977) is the Principal Medical Advisor to the Department of Health and has been instrumental in orchestrating the primary health care workers’ response. Professor Russell Gruen (OTG 1985) is the current Dean of the College of Health and Medicine at ANU which oversees multiple research teams working with the Government on pandemic response strategies.

Professor Russell Gruen

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Closer to home, the OTGA was proud to be part of the launch of the school’s Business Directory Hub to support businesses or services operated by a member of the TGS or OTG community. The OTGA believes supporting businesses within the Trinity community is important for our community to thrive not only during these difficult economic times, but also as we look ahead to the recovery and into the future.

Regrettably, a number of the events that underpin the OTG calendar including school reunions and the launch of our winter sporting club seasons were cancelled or postponed.

We look forward to welcoming back our OTGs from these impacted year levels as restrictions ease.

In the meantime, the OTGA has been busy with activities supporting our OTGs and the school. We have worked closely with the clubs through the uncertainty of postponed seasons and training disruptions, participated in the stakeholder meeting and actively engaged with the school to discuss areas where the OTGA and OTGs can support our community.

Our social media team has been very active on our Facebook and Instagram pages delving into the archives to share some great memories, keeping us informed about community events and supporting our OTGs through raising awareness and other initiatives related to men’s health and mental health in general. You can read more on our Men’s Health Strategy, Beyond the Uniform, and about how we are connecting with our community through social media on pages 24 and 25.

Earlier this year, Tom Hudson (OTG 2006) stepped down from his role as OTGA Nominee to School Council.

We wish to thank Tom and acknowledge his significant contribution since joining Council in 2018 during one of the school’s most challenging periods. Tom’s passion for Trinity is unrivalled and his intense commitment, dedication to the role and tireless contribution to both Council and the OTGA is unquestionable. Tom is a strong advocate for social justice and provided a modern voice across many different areas and sub-committees including: • Chair of School Heritage Committee • Member of Buildings and Grounds Committee • Member of Engagement and Fundraising Committee • Member of Engagement Advisory Committee

Replacing Tom as the OTGA Nominee for School Council is Leigh Hodges (OTG 1976). Leigh is well known across the OTG community, has a deep understanding of the school’s values and culture and is well respected for his collaborative approach and engaging style. You can read more about Leigh below.

James Brown (OTG 1992) President Denis Curnow (OTG 2017) speaks with the newly appointed OTGA Nominee to School Council, Leigh Hodges (OTG 1976).

What’s been your involvement with Trinity?

I commenced in the Senior School at Trinity in 1971 and then when my son Sam (OTG 2008) started, I reconnected with the school and was approached to join the OTGA Committee. I went from being a general Committee Member to President.

After a hiatus, I re-joined in 2018.

Leigh Hodges – newest addition to School Council

What can you bring to the School Council table?

I am hopeful a couple of things. Without wanting to sound grandiose, my experience has been advising senior corporate teams and individuals on matters pertaining to strategy, culture, developing their organisations, and getting the best out of their people. I would hope, given the breadth and depth of my experience both here and overseas, that I can at least add some strategic and business-like acumen. I know the school’s not a business, but it’s still a significant financial entity that’s got to be well managed.

If you want to tie together my corporate consulting background with my interest in Trinity, a big part of my focus would be ensuring that Trinity continues to grow and evolve in a way that’s respectful of the unique culture and values and spirit of the school.

What are you looking forward to, and what challenges lie ahead?

The school appears to have navigated its way very successfully and effectively through the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now lining up behind an exciting new leadership team that is going to bring some different perspectives to the table.

My mindset in joining Council is: can I play some small part in helping the school continue to grow, evolve and position itself to be around for another hundred years?

I do think we’re now in a period of consolidation, but not complacency, so it’s very simple for me: I had a great time when I was at the school and I genuinely believe when Sam went through, he went through a better school than the one I went to. Therefore, it makes sense to me that the school continues to improve, and it would be great to make a contribution in some way, shape or form.

What are some favourite memories?

Two memories stand out. As a student, I really enjoyed attending the Athletics Camp in Year 7 in 1971 at the newly purchased Lake Eppalock site, training with schoolboy legends the likes of Brett Weinberg, Daryl Catt, John Illingworth and Phil Sutton.

As a parent, a highlight is the memory of my son Sam playing the role of Doctor Frank N Furter for Merritt at the 2008 House Performing Arts Festival. He seemed way too comfortable in the role!

Keeping in touch Please update your details by contacting the Community Relations Office or by email to otg@trinity.vic.edu.au.

If you have any questions about any OTGA activities, I encourage you to contact Sharon Kendall by email to kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au or telephone on 9854 3668.

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Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association Social Media

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Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association

Through our social media platforms, the OTGA’s goal is to ensure as many Old Boys feel connected with the School and with each other as possible.

Please take a moment to like or follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit otga.com.au.

Connection We are committed to keeping our OTG community connected.

We love sharing stories not only with our Old Boys but with their families and the Trinity community.

We have a core focus on raising awareness of Men’s Health.

Clubs OTG Clubs are critical to ensure a strong connection with our Old Boys. Our aim is to increase OTG participation in sporting and community activities and actively support our Clubs to promote their teams and activities.

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Community Ongoing involvement of OTGs in school life is an important part of Trinity’s history and culture. We enjoy sharing great memories, community initiatives and events and recognise the outstanding contributions of OTGs.

Careers The Old Boys’ network is a valuable resource to support our OTGs’ career aspirations. We post job opportunities and have recently relaunched our LinkedIn group. These photographs feature some of our guest speakers at last year’s Careers Expo.

Beyond the Uniform – OTGA Men’s Health Strategy Shaped around the social model of health, our strategy is a partnership with the school. It looks to inform and support OTGs in various health and wellbeing challenges across the stages of life’s journey, from late teens through to our Gold Mitre community.

A recent post during the COVID-19 isolation period featured Denis Curnow (OTG 2017 and OTGA Committee Member) speaking with Rev’d Matt Campbell, Senior Chaplain and Director of Wellbeing at Trinity Grammar School, on the topic of Mental Health in Quarantine: How to Look After Yourself and Your Loved Ones. For the full article, please go to our website: otga.com.au

Here are some of the tips from their discussion: • It’s about checking in, first and foremost – not just assuming you or friends are going to be getting calls or emails or invitations to a Zoom chat from other people.

• In some cases, however, it’s about letting others know about the supports that are out there beyond the conversations you’re having with them.

• Having a working mobile phone is now a necessity, not a luxury.

• Routine, having some things in the day to look forward to or take part in, is really important – it will make that transition easier. While we don’t know when this will end, it’s important to remember that it will.

• We must ensure that clear, concise information is accessed and the spread of misinformation is limited. Trinity has set up a publicly available COVID-19 Hub to aid this. One of the main sites it links to is the Department of Health website.

• A healthy media diet is a really important one – avoid consuming news constantly and getting lost in a web of conspiracy theories.

• Additionally, the language of the quarantine period is also an important factor – the word ‘isolation’ can create more feelings of aloneness for people. We’ve been talking about ‘spatial’ distancing not ‘social’ distancing. Reinforce that quarantine is helping to keep others safe…

• As with any crisis, maintaining a sense of community may be the best thing we can all try to do.

July 2020 | 25

OTG Clubs OTG Cricket

OTG Football

After circumstances saw our vast array of post-season social functions taken away from us, the Club had to think outside the box to get everybody together one last time to give season 2019/20 the ceremonious farewell that it deserved.

On 29 May, the OTGCC and its broader community tuned in to Exercise Your Demons – a documentary detailing the Club’s 2019/20 season (think The Last Dance, but cooler) – filmed, directed, and edited by Oscar Fairweather (OTG 2010).

OTG Football back at training

Since the last Grammarian the world has been turned upside down, with the coronavirus pandemic affecting all elements of life, not the least being the 2020 VAFA football season.

A screengrab from the documentary shows David Cowley running through the banner for his 100th game

As the First XI made its way into its eighth straight finals series, everything that makes the Club what it is was caught on camera. We’re talking rain delays, afternoons at the Auburn Hotel, scoring books that don’t add up… and the odd game of cricket.

The première was aired via a livestream and video call, ensuring that even in times like this, the Club and the community could come together to celebrate yet another successful season (well, off-field at least!).

At time of writing, we are starting to inch towards a degree of normality, but doubts about a 2020 season remain. We trust we will know soon – uncertainty has made planning extremely difficult, but we are very ready should the VAFA push the ‘Go’ button.

I am pleased to report we have excellent numbers ready and keen to play. Almost 40 U19 and 40 U23s have committed to the season. The U23 side is a first for our Club and is important to our strategy of providing a footy opportunity to all our OTGs. Another 50 players will make up the remainder of our Senior male squad and over 65 young women have committed to our female program. Training within Covid protocols has commenced. We are well placed – we await the VAFA.

In a time that is difficult for all of us, the documentary highlighted the strength of the camaraderie at the Cricket Club and the importance of playing sport or engaging in other activities with your mates. It reminded us why we commit our Saturdays to the cruel ways of the game of cricket.

Neil Bowman President

We’re incredibly grateful for the time and effort Oscar put in to capturing the essence of season 2019/20 in cinematic form. Once this is all over, we invite OTGs young and old to come down to the Club and enjoy all that it has to offer – both on and off the field.

With the easing of restrictions, I am excited to write that hockey is going ahead with a revised 2020 season and with two teams!

OTG Hockey OTG Hockey is back!

If you’d like to get in touch with our Cricket Club, please contact Seb on 0430 783 099 or at nicolosis@icloud.com

We will be located at Trinity’s Marles Playing Fields in Bulleen. We welcome ALL PLAYERS regardless of ability – please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing or calling: otghockey@gmail.com or 0447 754 486.

Thanks to 3x Best Clubman and Social Secretary, Daniel Speake (OTG 2014), for scribing our report.

Steven Payne (OTG 2016) President

Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012) President 26 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

OTG Soccer During the isolation period, the OTGSC has been keeping in close contact with Club members, as well as preparing for the commencement of Club operations.

In the absence of a physical competition, the OTGSC introduced an online FIFA competition which was well received by the OTGSC community. We would like to congratulate Matthew Kallinikios (OTG 2013) for winning the PS4 Division, and Finn Mould (OTG 2018) for winning the XBOX Division. As well, we would like to thank committee member Jack Winter (OTG 2014) for creating and running this competition over the last month.

OTG Otters – Water Polo The Old Trinity Otters Water Polo Club started the year on a good note. Having enjoyed competing at the Portsea Polo by the Pier tournament in February and with a healthy number of recent school leavers interested in playing, we were and remain excited about the year ahead.

Like many sports, water polo’s winter season was cancelled due to COVID-19. However, we are expecting Water Polo Victoria to announce details about the summer competition soon and remain optimistic.

We are pleased that the Club’s culture has remained strong during this period as we have stayed connected via Facebook and Zoom – with members most recently enjoying a few drinks and trivia whilst reflecting on our five-year history. We are also looking forward to hosting an introduction night for the 2019 school leavers once restrictions are lifted.

If you’re interested in getting in the pool (swim, train or play), feel free to reach out via our Facebook page (facebook com/groups OTGwaterpolo/) or contact me at mike. azarnikow @gmail com.

Mike Azarnikow (OTG 2011) President

The OTGSC Committee has met regularly (via Zoom) over the past couple of months to ensure that once we do return to football, the Club is in a strong position. A key focus of the Committee has been creating a ‘Return to Football Guidelines’ plan, in order for the Club to commence training and competition in a way that aligns with the consensus of health authorities and the school, and ensures the safety of all.

The OTGSC is hoping to commence training for our men’s and women’s teams as soon as it is safe and possible. As always, all those interested in joining us, please contact Jeremy Neylon for more details on 0407 580 045.

Kartik Misra (OTG 2011) Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013) Co-Presidents

OTG Volleyball We welcome all OTGs, no matter their age or ability, to join us in our mid-week competition/s. We aim to facilitate friendship, fun and camaraderie within the OTG community. To find out more, please visit facebook.com/ OldTrinityVolleyballClub and contact Matthew on 0408 170 065 or Tim Hannan (OTG 2017) on 0488 222 363 Matthew Baumgartner (OTG 2017) President

Women of Trinity Grammar (WOTG) All planned WOTG events will remain on hold until COVID-19 restrictions are eased to the point that we can accommodate our 100+ members; hopefully, that will be before the end of the year. We are particularly eager to include the mothers of some older OTGs. Our mailing list continues to grow – to be eligible to join, your youngest son needs to have completed his Trinity education.

There is no joining fee and our purpose is a social group created for keeping in touch (we do not fundraise). To join, please sign up at: surveymonkey.com/r/women_of_trinity_grammar Donna Cameron and Carolyn Crouch (Co-convenors) Liz Beasley and Sue McNally (Patrons) July 2020 | 27

News of Old Boys

Liam Alexander and Sebastian Anthony Iseppi Russell Danby with one of his creations – a beautiful mural for a nursery

It was good to hear from Russell Danby (OTG 1961-70) who sends his best wishes to his classmates. Russell’s family has a long history with Trinity. His father Peter Danby (OTG 193235) was in the original Holy Trinity Choir. His brothers Tom (OTG 1960-69) and Owen (OTG 1966-73) also attended Trinity.

For many years, Russell has been involved in community services and is presently at Mercy Health. He is also an artist, creating community murals (muralmaker.com.au) Congratulations to Bryce Iseppi (OTG 1992-97) and his wife Anne who welcomed beautiful twin boys Liam Alexander Iseppi and Sebastian Anthony Iseppi in November 2019.

Bryce and Anne married in 2014.

Steve Kidd (OTG 1975-80) is enjoying life in Alice Springs with his wife Kristina. They have two grown children, Maali and Sean. Steve works at St Philip’s College as the Head of the Arts, and says there are always lots of creative tasks at hand.

Steve and Kris Kidd

Congratulations to Hubert Algie (OTG 1998-06) who was named the 2020 Mahla Pearlman Australian Young Environmental Lawyer by the Law Council of Australia. Read an interview with Hubert on page 31.

Thanks to John Quirk (OTG 1962-65) for sharing a letter with the school for our archives. The letter was written by Trinity’s fourth headmaster, Frank Shann, to his father John Raymond Quirk (OTG 1935-40) and is dated February 1940.

Alex Wyatt (OTG 1965-76) has lived in South Australia since 1988 with his wife. They have two adult daughters. Alex’s brothers Ben (OTG 1965-74) and Chris (OTG 1965-72) also attended Trinity.

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Alex Wyatt with his wife and daughters on a family holiday earlier this year in Jaipur, India

It was great to hear from Stuart Asquith (OTG 1992-2000) who is a Flight Lieutenant and Lead Chaplain at the RAAF Base Townsville.

He works with members of Defence in the areas of mental health, wellbeing, spirituality and resilience. He also currently serves in 383 Squadron on what is called ’24-hours to move’, meaning if there is an incident of any nature overseas or within Australia, Stuart is required to be ready to deploy within the day.

Thanks to Ruban Ambikaipalan (OTG 1994-2000) who got in touch from London. After finishing his medical degree at Melbourne University in 2008, Ruban worked as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Box Hill Hospital and Epworth Hospitals.

He is currently in London working at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel specialising in pelvic, hip and knee surgery. He hopes to travel in Europe with his wife Sindy (an emergency physician) and twoyear-old daughter Ava. Ruban’s brother Balan (OTG 1994-02) is working in management consulting at Price Waterhouse Coopers in Melbourne.

They both have fond memories of their days at Trinity and, in particular, of the Bulleen Playing Fields. Ruban was School Captain in 2000 and Balan was a Vice-Captain in 2002.

Stuart Asquith and his father

Congratulations to Tim Kelly (OTG 1994-99) and his wife Vesa on the safe arrival of their beautiful little girl, Emie Rose Prekazi Kelly, in May this year. Aside from some bleary eyes for her parents, they are all doing really well!

We were pleased to hear from Derrick Sim (OTG 1982-87). After leaving Trinity, Derrick worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital and then in the vaccines industry for nearly two decades, most recently in Brussels and London. In January this year, he moved to Geneva to join Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. As Director of Vaccines Supply and Demand, he leads a team to ensure the delivery of vaccines to developing world countries to protect millions of children from diseases like measles.

Neil Weatherson (OTG 1971-76) passed on news of the ‘Old Mitres’ lawn bowls team. In their inaugural season – the first ever bowling experience for many in the team – they finished 11th out of 34 teams, after the usual 10week season was sadly cut short after seven rounds. All things considered it was a successful season but most importantly an enormously social and fun time was had by all. It was so enjoyable, in fact, that they are looking to introduce a second team of 1976 Leavers to run under the ‘Old Mitre’ banner once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. If you wish to play, please reach out Neil or get in touch with Sharon Kendall in the Community Relations Office on 9854 3668.

Emie Rose Prekazi Kelly

’Old Mitres’ – David Tibb, Peter Beer, Frank York, Andrew Tinney, Neil Weatherson, David Birrell and John Dobbie

Our Reunion Program It was unfortunate that COVID-19 caused the postponement of the 2015, 2010, 2000, 1990 and 1980 Reunions, as well as the Gold Mitre Lunch. We look forward to putting new dates into the calendar in 2021 (or once restrictions lift). We are hopeful that the 2019 One-year Reunion will go ahead as planned on Wednesday 7 October.

Thank you to everyone who expressed their understanding and took the opportunity to get in touch with old friends in other ways.

We are more than happy to connect you with those school friends you may have lost contact with over the years. To facilitate these requests, please ensure the school has your current details. Please contact Sharon Kendall, Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator, on 9854 3668 or by email kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au if you require assistance.

Old Trinity Grammarians – Current or Former Servicemen We continue to look for our Old Trinity Grammarians with shared experiences, past or present, in our defence forces. To join our mailing list, please sign up at: surveymonkey.com/r/OTGDefence or email otg@trinity.vic.edu.au. We will keep you posted about our catch-up post COVID-19.

In Memoriam We were saddened to hear of the passing of Neil McColl (OTG 1948-61) in January after a long illness. Neil was a member of Henty House and his brother Graham (OTG 1944-53) also attended Trinity.

Ron Webb (OTG 1957-62) passed away in August 2019. A Wonthaggi boy, who boarded at Trinity during his school years, Ron was an exceptionally good schoolboy footballer, one of Trinity’s best he would often tell me!

Perhaps more hyperbole than fact, but it is not in dispute that Ron was the youngest to play for the First XVIII – in 1958 when he was in Year 8.

The following year against Malvern Grammar (then an AGS school), Ron kicked two goals of Trinity’s 45 – George Bolding (another Wonthaggi boy) kicked 40, a record which still stands.

After Trinity, Ron started a Diploma of Business at Swinburne. He played cricket and football (42 games) for the Old Boys. When called on to do a spot of (cricket) umpiring, Ron would sometimes tell a batsman he was ‘not out’, but his finger indicated otherwise.

Classic Webby.

Ron’s mother Nell was his ‘rock’. After she died, Ron’s life became more difficult and he spent his last seven years at Parkland Close, an aged care facility in Kew. While at Parkland, Ron became a prodigious reader, primarily history and biographies. I would do regular book drops, but it was never enough. It was amazing to witness this transformation in Ron. Ron didn’t have an easy life, but he was a great survivor. Trinity was the constant thread, from school days to the Old Boys footy club. Many reading this will recall a ‘Runty’ anecdote – he was the real deal.

Many thanks to Neil Hudson (OTG 1959-62) for providing these thoughtful memories of Ron.

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Back Page Interview Hubert Algie (OTG 2006) A lawyer with the specialist environment law firm, Kellehers Australia, Hubert is the 2020 recipient of the Mahla Pearlman Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year Award.

Describe your years at Trinity.

I attended Trinity for eight years. I enjoyed my time at the school and have memories of playing rugby and basketball, as well as studying Art, Geography and History. I developed friendships at Trinity which have stood the test of time and continue to this day.

What are you most grateful for or proud of?

I am very proud of my achievements to date in the law, including being awarded the 2020 Mahla Pearlman Environmental Lawyer of the Year. I am extremely grateful to my many teachers, both in formal education and in life, without whom I would not be where I am.

Why law? How did your path evolve into environmental law?

I grew up surrounded by lawyers and was always enamoured with the cut and thrust of legal debates. However, I am dyslexic and struggled academically during my time at Trinity. With the support of family and a number of key staff and important teachers and tutors through Trinity, I was able to finish my school studies strongly. After VCE, I studied Fine Arts (Painting) at Monash University, this was critical in developing my academic confidence to study at a university level. From there I got a part-time job at Kellehers Australia, my current law firm. Working in law helped develop practical experience and exposure, reinforcing my desire to study and practise law. I then successfully applied to law school.

Through Kellehers Australia and over the course of my studies, I developed my passion for environmental, town planning, administrative law and local government law.

Who influenced or has inspired your career path?

My career path is in many ways a reflection of the many people who inspire and who supported me. There are far too many to list. But certainly, my grandfather, James Kelleher, who became a lawyer later in his life, and stories of his passion for law. Also, the stories legal cases tell inspired me to pursue law. But equally, both parents had careers in the law and, whilst different, these influenced my legal career. Also, in my view, an unsung Trinity hero is my tutor, Sue Doig. She was critically important in helping me complete my high school studies and helped foster and amplify my desire to learn.

Other influences include inspiring orators and lawyers, in particular, Robert F Kennedy, whose personal journey resonated with me and whose speeches bolster me in moments of doubt.

Is there a particular career project that stands out?

No one case stands out above the others. I think I have been extremely lucky to be part of team at Kellehers Australia that tackles complex and challenging cases, from social planning and native title test cases, disused landfill cases, windfarms, development applications, urban boundary planning scheme amendments, liquor licence applications, restrictive covenant removals and variations, major transport projects, or a neighbour’s fence dispute. They all contain different achievements and highlights.

All my teaching appointments are big achievements for me. As a dyslexic kid who struggled at school, to be teaching at world-class universities is amazing.

So, my appointment by Monash University Law School to be the supervising solicitor for its innovative Climate Justice Clinic, together with my time lecturing at the Humboldt University (Berlin) and Melbourne University, are personal and career highlights.

What is your current focus and what does it involve?

My current focus is, much as it always is, on my clients’ matters. As a lawyer, your role is to advise and assist your clients, so my focus is usually on the issues, problems and complexities they face. There is also the work of the Climate Justice Clinic and its many pro bono cases aimed at developing and challenging Australian law as it impacts upon climate change.

What would someone be surprised to know about you?

I created and ran a punk and hardcore music ‘zine called unable to convey, in which I collated interviews and writings from a number of musicians and artists.

What advice would you give to our boys?

Academic success is not the only measure of success. Focus on learning rather than your grades (they are not the same – although some teachers may disagree).

For students interested in law, high marks are not essential. Law needs young people who are interested in learning, good at listening and effective communicators. Don’t be put off if you don’t get the grades to get into law straight out of school.

What is the next challenge for you?

Continuing to learn and develop as a lawyer, friend, partner and person.

July 2020 | 31

TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, KEW 4 0 C h a r l e s S t re e t , Ke w VI C 3 1 0 1 +61 3 9854 3600 | trinity.vic.edu.au trinity.grammar

@trinitygrammarkew

Editor: Siobhan Latham e: lathams@trinity.vic.edu.au p: (03) 9854 3600

Front cover photograph: Principal Adrian Farrer with the School Captain Jack Stewart and the Junior School Captain Wesley Collins

Design: Felix Lam e: lamf@trinity.vic.edu.au

Back cover photograph: 2020 Hockey Captain Ben Allen on the refurbished pitch Many thanks to the staff, students, parents and other members of the Trinity community who provided photographs used in this publication.

32 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

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This magazine has been printed on FSC (Forestry Strewardship Council) Certified paper utilising vegetable based inks. It has been produced using a Clean Green Print process which means all the processes involved with the manufacture of this item are guaranteed to have minimum impact on the environment.