Vol 33 No 2 August 2018
FROM THE INTERIM SCHOOL COUNCIL A new School Council has been in place since 5 June with a clear focus on ensuring 2018 is a great success for all of our boys, guided by an approach that considers all of our decisions and actions in the context of what’s best for our students and staff.
In addition, we reached back into the recent nomination process to identify candidates with specific skills and experience to address the School’s current needs. With that in mind, in late June we were pleased to welcome on to Council Ashley Butler and Jane Kupsch.
Joining the new-look Council are Chris Braithwaite, Professor Don Campbell, John Gillam and Nichola Lefroy. Lisa Williams had joined Council as the Parents’ Association nominee several weeks earlier, and three members of the preceding Council (Sally Bateman, Mathew Browning and Lucy Muchic) continue to serve.
At the end of Term 2, Council was delighted to advise the Trinity community of an extension to the term of our new Headmaster, Phil De Young, who commenced at the start of Term 3 and has agreed to stay in the role for a period of 18 months. This will see his tenure as Trinity’s 11th Headmaster carry through to the end of 2019 and provides greater certainty and stability to help our School advance and unify.
Council members elected Mr Gillam as Chairman and Mr Braithwaite as a second Deputy Chair, alongside Ms Muchic as a serving Deputy Chair. Mrs Bateman continues her role as Treasurer, and two special purpose committees – Engagement and Governance – were established to ensure we maintain a strong focus on those key areas. In thinking about the way forward, we have adopted an overarching framework that will shape the way the boys experience the school environment. The core elements include: 1. Achieving excellence and harmony in the daily functioning of the School 2. Unifying our community
In June, Council met with many parts of the Trinity community, including senior staff, the Staff Association, the 2018 student leadership team, parents and the Parents’ Association, the OTGA, the Archbishop, the consultation committee set up by the previous Council, Dr Michael Davies, and Mr De Young. Council will continue to engage positively with the broad School community. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all staff who have worked with great skill and dedication to ensure the best outcomes possible for the boys. Their commitment is greatly appreciated. We look forward to engaging with all parts of the Trinity community in the months ahead.
3. Preparing for 2019 and beyond There is significant work ahead to tackle the core issues that, sadly, have caused recent unrest, and to ensure the School operates to the level everyone expects. A full-sized Council with representation from across the Trinity community is needed to manage this load. We are pleased to announce that Council has accepted the nomination of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association (OTGA) and appointed Tom Hudson. Council is also actively working with the Archbishop regarding his nominee position.
Farewell to Dr Michael Davies In the second last week of Term 2, we said farewell to Dr Michael Davies and Mrs Donna Davies, following Michael’s resignation as Headmaster after four and a half years at Trinity. Around 350 people from across our community gathered to acknowledge Michael’s contribution to the School - a legacy upon which future achievements can continue to be built. Guests were welcomed by the Chairman of Council, John Gillam, who read a message from previous
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Chairman, Garry Ringwood. After Lucy Muchic, Deputy Chairman, spoke, Michael responded with grace and dignity about his time at Trinity, his admiration for the boys and staff, and the opportunities ahead for the greater School community. Under Michael’s leadership, the School employed our first Indigenous staff members and substantially extended our outreach activities. We also increased the sporting options available to the Senior School boys, as well as the music and language opportunities for the Junior School boys. The Year 9 China Program has moved from planning to reality, academic results have improved, and continuous
Introducing our new Headmaster The educational landscape is constantly changing and for the most part, the outcomes of change have improved teaching and learning and the way schools function. And despite the much discussed and often politicised apparent decline in academic standards in Australia compared to certain other countries, our education system remains one of the best in the world. I can say with great confidence that I wouldn’t want my grandchildren educated anywhere else. However, in this ever-changing climate, we can often overlook the fundamentals that underpin good schools. So let me elaborate on two of them. The first fundamental is that a quality education is built on three pillars: curricular, cocurricular and pastoral. That is, it is balanced or holistic. The curricular pillar is self-evident, with emphasis in the early years on literacy and numeracy, and in later years on subject specific content buoyed by basic skills acquired over the years. The importance of this pillar must never be underestimated, but nor should it be the one and only thing schools offer to students. The cocurricular pillar represents the experiences schools offer outside the classroom, including sport, music, performing arts, community service and outdoor education. Obviously, some schools, like Trinity, are resourced better than others in this domain, but all schools offer cocurricular activities of some sort. They do so because apart from the inherent worth of these experiences, each provides opportunities for students to have some time in the sun - to be valued and praised.
The pastoral pillar has a two-fold function: to provide a home away from home environment for young and often vulnerable children; and to teach essential life-long skills, such as resilience, respect for self and others, and the ability to forge and sustain healthy relationships. To enable students, if you like, to live happy and rewarding lives in their years ahead. It is important that schools not only deliver these three pillars, but that they get the right balance between them. And this is an ever-present challenge for school leaders, especially in times of change. It is likely, therefore, that schools will need to re-balance the pillars from time to time. The second fundamental is that the education process is essentially a partnership between three key groups: students, parents and staff (both teaching and nonteaching). As is the case with all well-functioning partnerships, communication is the glue that holds them together. Partnerships of all ilk flourish when communication is good and flounder when it is not. So, a key responsibility of schools is to facilitate effective communication between all three groups. Effective communication is written and spoken dialogue which is two-way, open, honest and plentiful. Specifically, we all need to be good listeners as well as good talkers; honest in the way we communicate and, thereby, engender trust; and readily willing to hear what others have to say. And if we say we are going to do something, we must ensure that we do it. Trinity is a good school. Indeed, it is one of the very best in Australia. I am honoured to be appointed Headmaster and I am enthusiastically looking forward to assisting the Council and a great team of staff in the ongoing delivery of the three pillars and in ensuring that our communication is of the highest standard. In my time at the School, I trust that the broad and far reaching Trinity community finds me both visible and accessible and always up for a chat. Please introduce yourself to me whenever the opportunity arises. PHIL DE YOUNG Headmaster
New Headmaster Phil De Young with some of our Year 12 musicians
online reporting has been introduced. During Michael’s tenure, in addition to developing the 30-year masterplan, the Centre for Business and Social Enterprise was completed, the Dadirri boarding house established, and planning for the Junior School play area and criterium road at Bulleen undertaken. We thank Michael for his service to the School and wish him and his family well for the future.
Michael Davies at his farewell
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DADIRRI
At the Closing the Gap Assembly 2018
‘In our Aboriginal way, we learnt to listen from our earliest days. We could not live good and useful lives unless we listened. This was the normal way for us to learn - not by asking questions. We learnt by watching and listening, waiting and then acting. Our people have passed on this way of listening for over 40,000 years…’ - MIRIAM-ROSE UNGUNMERR-BAUMANN AM, Aboriginal Elder
‘Dadirri’ is an Indigenous word meaning an inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. In the context of Trinity, this concept is embedded in our endeavours to walk with the Indigenous community. Dadirri was originally an initiative of former Headmaster Rick Tudor and former Senior Chaplain Chris Leadbeatter, who wanted to begin a program of Reconciliation within the Trinity community. Due to the commitment and passion of these leaders, Trinity became known for its work in the area of Indigenous Reconciliation. The School Council also established an Indigenous scholarship program that has seen 23 Indigenous students progress through secondary education at Trinity. Jenny Poore, who retired in February after more than 30 years on staff, was Trinity’s Dadirri Coordinator. Jenny’s philosophy was always ‘Show, don’t tell’; she aimed to change people’s perceptions gently by enabling them to come into contact with Aboriginal people. For over 20 years, Jenny has taken groups to the Maree-Arabunna area of South Australia and immersed them in the people and culture of the region - despite her retirement, Jenny will lead the tour again this year. Participants have been privileged to experience the Outback with Arabunna Elder, Reg Dodd. The ripples of the Arabunna experience have spread far. Lawyer Leonie Kelleher travelled there with her son, Hubert, and later provided pro bono assistance to Reg in relation to native title and issues with mining companies. In 2004, Leonie formed Lawyers for the Arabunna People (LAMP) working towards making the area a World 4
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Heritage site. Many OTGs have worked as part of the LAMP group. The success of the Dadirri program at Trinity was, according to Jenny and her successor Andrew Rice, in large part due to the boys in Years 9 and 10, who were among the first to experience the Arabunna Tour. Listening to Reg Dodd’s stories and learning about the pressures that had been put on Indigenous people spurred these young men to form the AAA (Aboriginal Awareness Agents) group, whose aim was to bridge understanding between mainstream Australians and Indigenous peoples. In 2007, the Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, even made a special visit to Trinity to speak to the AAA group about their work, and in 2007, Trinity received the ‘Dare to Lead’ award in recognition of the School’s work in advancing Indigenous issues within the community and beyond.
Learning about the land with Reg Dodd on the Arabunna Tour
For many years, a key feature in the School calendar was the annual Dadirri Dinner. Inspiring speakers included Sir Edward Woodward, Noel Pearson (both of whom had worked on the Native Title legislation), Tim Goodwin (Australian delegate to the UN General Assembly’s Special
Noel Pearson
Michael Long
At a Dadirri Dinner
Session on Children and Indigenous education advocate), Michael Long, Professor Richard Broome, Jeff McMullen, Reg Dodd, and Anita Heiss. The Dinner often corresponded with the opening of an exhibition in the Daley Gallery featuring such artists as Louise Foletta, Anthony Day (OTG 2003), Elizabeth Martyn, Reg Dodd, Pauline Clayton, Tim Lane, and exhibits from the Red Rock Gallery.
Russell Gruen (OTG 1985) and Chris Leadbeatter with a painting from the Oenpelli region, which Russell gifted to the School. It currently hangs in the Chapel.
The Namalata Indigenous Conference was organised under the auspices of the Dadirri program. Attendees came from all over Australia and New Zealand to learn and discuss trends and innovations in Indigenous education. There was also an annual family BBQ ‘Gayip’, with special guest speakers, including Kutcha Edwards and the Black Arm Band, Gabi Hollows and Glenn James OAM (the first Indigenous AFL umpire, educator, and cultural advisor to the Koori Court). Other events included a wonderful performance by students from the Yirrkala Community School, in Arnhem Land. The Principal of Yirrkala was Mandawuy Yunupingu, lead singer of Yothu Yindi. As well as these special events, Dadirri was embedded in the School’s curriculum through classroom activities, such as guest speakers including Rose Nbobbob of the Twined Together - kunmadj njalehnjaleken exhibition; Bunjilaka, Ian Hunter, Elder of the Wurundjeri; and Adam Frogley, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinator. Furthermore, in the week leading up to ANZAC Day, stories were displayed around the School outlining the bravery and exceptional exploits of Australia’s Indigenous soldiers. Fundraising was also an important part of Trinity’s efforts to reconcile with the Indigenous community and to support Indigenous education. In 2015, Dr Michael Davies appointed Kelvin Williams, Trinity’s first Indigenous staff member. Keedon Blow (OTG 2011) took over from Kelvin, and then, this year, Trinity welcomed two young Indigenous men as Dadirri Officers. Corey Atkinson and Michael Naawi are both practising artists and are passionate about education and about building Trinity’s connection with, in particular, the
Trinity’s Dadirri Officers, Michael Naawi and Corey Atkinson
Victorian Indigenous community. They are working closely with Tom Purcell, Trinity’s Director of Outreach, to provide opportunities for everyone in the Trinity community to connect with Aboriginal culture. Corey and Michael have been visiting the various parts of the School and engaging staff and students with their enthusiasm and talents. According to these young men, many Trinity boys are already interested in Aboriginal culture and are therefore excited to learn more. Consequently, Corey and Michael, in addition to integrating programs relating to Indigenous history and culture throughout the curriculum, have also organised many other activities to engage the whole community. These have included performances at assemblies, cultural walks in the city for Year 9 students, Dreamtime stories and music for students in the ELC and the Junior School, and a Reconciliation Breakfast for the wider community. Their work to raise awareness about Aboriginal culture is particularly important, as Corey and Michael also act as mentors to the School’s six Indigenous students. This year, Trinity opened Dadirri House on Wellington Street, a Boarding House for Indigenous students. Run by former AFL player, Chris Johnson, and his wife, Vanessa, Dadirri House provides a family-like environment for boys who come to the School in Year 8, before they move across to Trinity’s main Boarding House in Year 10. Trinity’s Dadirri program, and its partnerships with the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS), founded by Rick and Liz Tudor, and the GrowHope Foundation, aims to provide the best opportunities for Indigenous students to receive the benefits of a Trinity education, and also the best opportunities for our non-Indigenous students to learn more about Australia’s ancient culture and people, and our shared history.
Students from the Yirrkala Community School.
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TRINITY’S CONNECTION WITH OENPELLI
The spectacular landscape
Oenpelli, known as Gunbalanya since 2001, is an Aboriginal community, of approximately 1100 people, situated in West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. The area, on the eastern border of Kakadu National Park, is also known as ‘Stone Country’ and is home to some of the most significant rock art in the world. Inhabited originally by the Erre-speaking people, after western settlement of the region, a cattle station was set up in 1909, followed by a mission in 1925, founded by the Reverend Alfred Dyer. Since 1975, the West Arnhem Regional Council has assumed responsibility for the area.
In 2004, Trinity’s former Head of Science, Peter Razos, began to offer a specialist science program to the children at the Gunbalanya School. Peter spent each Easter and September school holiday break, accompanied by a group of Trinity boys and staff, engaging the local students in science. He saw the benefits for the Trinity boys in spending time in a remote community in order to gain a perspective of Aboriginal life and culture. In their reflections, boys frequently described the experience as both enriching and impactful. In 2017, after travelling there twice (in 2015 and 2016) with Peter Razos and a group of boys, Trinity staff member, Steven Bambrook, took up a year-long teaching placement at the Gunbalanya School. While certainly an eye-opening experience in many ways, Steven believes he benefitted both professionally and personally from the experience. On 7 January 2017, Steven flew from Darwin to Gunbalanya, his belongings for a year stowed in the hold of a tiny aeroplane. He lived for a year in this small town, where life centres around the school, the general store and the community club. At the school, Steven was allocated to a class of boys in Years 7 to 9. He was with this class all day, every day and taught them all subjects, although there were occasional excursions, such as to the Jabiru Uranium Mine. Teaching boys in the middle years of school in this context was certainly challenging, but Steven feels that he gained much from the experience. Often, English is the students’ third or fourth language, as, although their first language is usually Kunwinjku, the language spoken in Gunbalanya, they might have other languages, depending on the region each parent is from.
Where is Gunbalanya?
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The children made rockets in class and then watched them fly!
Also, language is predominantly oral, so the reading and writing skills that we perhaps take for granted are often not established in these remote Aboriginal children. Adapting to the different culture of this community was a necessity. Steven explains that he learnt to step back and wait before jumping in to try and solve issues that arose between students. There were often underlying contexts to the students’ behaviour and he had to become used to seeing things through a different lens, rather than from the perspective of his own cultural norms.
Trinity values highly its connection with Gunbalanya and, in August this year, two groups of Year 9 students, accompanied by staff members and led by Deputy Headmaster, Rohan Brown, will travel to the region to participate in the inaugural Oenpelli Experience. As part of this program, and to give back to the community, Trinity will help fund transition programs for students from the Gunbalanya School who complete Year 12, so that they can undertake further studies in Darwin. Finally, Peter Razos will also lead a trip to the Gunbalanya School in the upcoming September holidays to deliver the specialist science program he first introduced 15 years ago.
Gunbalanya runs on a different school calendar to ours, with a six-week break in June and July. In the wet season, there are tropical monsoons and travel is restricted. The only way in and out is by air as the rivers flood. Steven remembers that there were enormous downpours, but also that the dragonflies came out and it was a great time to hunt turtles.
The group with Mr Bambrook in 2017
The boys help present a specialist science program to the children
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FROM THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Term 2 in the Four Year Old room was another exciting period of exploration and learning during which ‘How We Express Ourselves’, one of the PYP Transdisciplinary Themes, was the major focus. We set up our environment to reflect the importance of using natural resources every day and investigated a variety of media through which the children could express their ideas and thoughts. Exploring the rich and wonderful medium of clay was something that we wanted to develop with the children in a space where they had unhurried time, where there was a specific focus, and where they had undivided attention and artistic expertise.
Below are some of the children’s comments as they followed Avis’ lead and worked with the clay: Avis – This clay is washed earth and paper and it’s been cleaned. Darcy – It comes from the earth. Jonathan – It is the earth. Axel – It feels soft, like the earth. That’s because it is the earth. Lachlan – You can use soft hands and hard hands to change the shape of the clay. Henry – The clay is smooth. Sam D – The clay feels cold in my hand. Avis - Look with your eyes and use your hands and your heart so your brain is working as well. After their discussions about all living things needing sun, water and earth to grow, Avis and the children created little vessels made from clay to catch water for the insects in our garden. Avis explained that these pods were resting places for the insects and bugs in our environment.
With the support of Trinity’s Head of Art, John Waller, we invited Avis Gardner, a highly regarded ceramicist, to assist us as an artist-in-residence. She helped to develop the children’s ideas about nature, environmental care and explored their perceptions about insects and mini beasts, the journey of seeds, vegetables, gardening and sustainability, as well as the magical world of seasons and change. Along with this, we considered the big picture of ‘collections’ in both the constructed and natural worlds. Throughout the term, Avis nurtured and developed the children’s interest in and excitement about clay, and they created some amazing pieces of art.
Harry – We need to make sure we don’t take all the honey as the bees need it. James W – We need to care for the bees because they look after us. Spencer – We need to care for all insects, especially in our garden. Then they will always be there for us to look at. It was amazing what this group of children discovered, explored, wondered about and learned through this experience with our artist-in-residence. Their learning was rich and inspiring and provided many opportunities for further investigation. ANNE CAPOULEAS AND NAOMI WRIGHT Four Year Old Group Teachers
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FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL Year 5 go on an adventure to the Portsea Camp
Year 4 and Year 6 travelled to Camp Rumbug and Waratah Bay
Great weather accompanied the almost 100 boys, eight Year 9 mentors, and ten staff members, who travelled to Portsea for their first camp together. The group visited Fort Queenscliff and learnt about the military history of Australia, dating back 150 years.
The camps to Rumbug and Waratah Bay provided students in Year 4 and 6 with numerous opportunities to be courageous, to build organisational and teamwork skills, to consolidate peer connections and establish new friendships, and to enjoy themselves immensely in the outdoor environment.
Mentoring skills are an important focus Happy days at the 2018 Year 5 Portsea Camp
The boys enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zones by participating in the ‘Challenge by Choice’ activities, working together in teams, and competing in a sand sculpture building competition. The most popular activities were the giant swing, the flying fox and snorkelling.
The variety of outdoor activities at Camp Rumbug encouraged mentorship - under the guidance and encouragement of Year 9 mentors, the Year 6 boys enthusiastically supported the Year 4 students as they faced the physical and emotional challenges of individual and team-based activities. Young Old Trinity Grammarians also joined the cohort, providing leadership, support and encouragement to all students.
The Year 5 boys emerging from the water after a snorkelling session
The boys not only had a great time, but learnt a lot about themselves including their capacity for resilience, tolerance and risk-taking. Many new friendships were formed and old ones consolidated. Our time at the Portsea Camp instilled in the boys confidence, respect and appreciation for what Trinity has to offer.
Our experiences at Waratah Bay continued to foster these skills and the Year 6 students embraced participating in numerous beach games, hiking at Wilson’s Promontory and swimming in the surf.
Year 5 boys saluting our fallen heroes
Many friendships are built at camp
Lots of fun can be had on the water
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FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
There was much hilarity as the Junior School staff performed for the students
The Junior School Musical The announcement at assembly that the Junior School Musical for 2018 would be Madagascar was greeted with much excitement. Based on the popular Dreamworks movie, the musical includes all the familiar characters such as Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and the fabulous King Julian. Boys were treated to a staff performance of a scene from the musical, which included a song and dance rendition of I like to move it. The students (who outshine the staff in their performance skills!) have already begun rehearsing in earnest and we look forward to another fantastic show in Term 3.
Mother’s Day Breakfast A mother holds a special place in a child’s heart. To celebrate Mother’s Day, many Junior School and ELC boys honoured their mothers at a beautiful high tea-style breakfast. While enjoying tea and treats, the boys and mothers were welcomed by Junior School Captain Ewan Brown and Vice-Captain Edward Peng, who shared their stories on the importance of the love and affection in their upbringing. In addition to the wonderful atmosphere, the guests were entertained by Alex the Magician, a grand finalist on Australia’s Got Talent. Whether it is their mother, stepmother, aunt, sister, grandmother, or friend, Trinity boys are lucky to know strong, caring and compassionate women, who support them in all their endeavours and help them grow as individuals.
Games on the oval for the Trinity-Ruyton Buddy Program
Trinity-Ruyton Buddy Program The Junior School’s Buddy Program with Ruyton offers our boys the opportunity to inquire, collaborate, communicate and investigate with students from our sister school.
At The ANZAC Day Service
ANZAC Day
In Term 2, students from the Junior School joined with their peers at Ruyton and got to know each other through a range of activities. These included a picnic lunch, sports and games, reading aloud, maker challenges, and shared maths experiences.
On 24 April, boys in Years 3 to 6 joined the Senior School in an act of remembrance for those who fought for this country during the First and Second World Wars, and for those who made similar sacrifices in more recent conflicts. The Junior School boys demonstrated dignity, reverence and respect as they offered prayers and thanksgiving for members of the Trinity community who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and justice in the world.
These initiatives help to build relationships between the students; they provide a platform on which to share learning, and to extend current thinking, knowledge, concepts or attitudes. While our curriculum and frameworks may differ, our common values are evident as transdisciplinary skills are developed.
The ANZAC Remembrance Service helped consolidate the caring and reflective attributes of Junior School learners and provided an ideal opportunity for our boys to connect to the past. This reinforced their knowledge and understanding of difficult times for members of the Trinity community in the past.
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Corey and Michael engage the Junior School boys in Aboriginal culture
National Reconciliation Week The Junior School boys participated in a variety of activities to celebrate Reconciliation Week. We were lucky to have our Dadirri Officers, Corey Atkinson and Michael Naawi, visit during Library classes to paint, dance, play traditional instruments, answer questions, and read Dreamtime stories with our boys. At our assembly, the Year 2 students performed with Corey and Michael to showcase their understanding of how to celebrate Australian animals, including kangaroos and emus, through movement and dance.
Reconciliation Week in the Junior School
Michael Naawi reading Dreamtime stories
One Arm Point, Western Australia The One Arm Point exchange program gives our Junior School community the opportunity to connect with the One Arm Point School in Western Australia. This small community rich in Aboriginal Bardi culture, home to approximately 400 people, is situated on the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley, about three hours north of Broome. Each year, we welcome eight boys to our school for one week. They travel to Melbourne, where they stay with selected Year 6 students and their families. Then, in the first week of the September holidays, a small group of Trinity students travels to this remote community to learn. This exchange gives both communities a valuable opportunity to share their culture and environments. The road to One Arm Point
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MUSIC
At the Strings Concert
Music can change the world because it can change people.
Also in Term 2, a group of students, staff and parents enjoyed a magnificent performance of Tosca by Opera Australia at the State Theatre.
- BONO, LEAD SINGER OF U2
There were many performances to excite the School community, including the opportunity to hear 11 Music Scholars, who performed as soloists in an evening recital; and the Gala Concert, which featured all senior music ensembles in an aural extravaganza. Each group performed a set of music demonstrating their understanding of ensemble skills, balance, style, control and mastery of instrument. The following ensembles were involved:
Music can bring a whole school community together in one place in time and with one common purpose. At Trinity, this occurs regularly throughout the School year. Our House Performing Arts Festival is a perfect example: all senior students, their families and friends, staff, OTGs, and the wider Trinity community, come together to celebrate music, drama and dance in the largest performance venue in Melbourne. This year, after entertaining presentations by all eight Houses, Cowen seized the cup with their strong and convincing interpretation of Rocky. Throughout the year, Trinity can be proud of the following events where the wider musical community was welcomed to our School, thereby providing great benefit to our boys:
• Kodaly Training Course for music teachers (throughout 2018)
• VCE Music Teachers’ Conference in February
• National Suzuki Conference in July
Semester One provided a succession of performance opportunities, including the Senior School Music Camp, Headmaster’s Assemblies, recitals, the Gold Mitre Lunch, a Suzuki workshop, the Easter Assembly, VCE workshops, the ANZAC Day Service and the Mother’s Day Breakfast. Tim Hannan (OTG 2017) received distinguished acknowledgement as an outstanding exponent of the double bass, via invitation to perform at the VCE Season of Excellence - Top Class at the Melbourne Recital Centre in March. In May, the Stage Band, Big Band and Vocal Ensemble enjoyed the journey to Mt Gambier and were acknowledged for their performances at the Generations in Jazz Festival. 12
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• Symphony Orchestra
• Senior Strings
• Trinity Strings
• Middle School and Chamber Choirs
• Suzuki Strings
• Intermediate/Mitre Band
• Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Our junior musicians were also active, performing prior to the Year 6 Leaders’ Induction Service, at after-school recitals, and at the Strings Concert. In June, the Year 4 and 5 musicians demonstrated their developing skills at the Ensemble Concert, and later that month, members of the Junior Choir, Concert Band and Marles String Orchestra travelled to the inspiring Amberley for a two-day Music Camp in preparation for the Junior Gala Concert. The Trinity Choirs performed at the Kodaly Conference, and VCE musicians presented their Unit 3 recitals, a valuable opportunity to prepare for the final external recitals in October. Meanwhile, 20 senior students commenced rehearsing choral and instrumental items for the inaugural European Music Tour, which will take place during the Term 3 holiday period. MICHELLE STANIC Director of Music
HOUSE PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
Henty
Roberts
The energy in the Plenary was tangible and the standard of performances was high, but, ultimately, the winning House was Cowen, with their performance of Rocky. House Captain, Spencer Barendregt (who also received an award from Head of Music, Michelle Stanic, for the wonderful House spirit he had shown in the weeks leading up to the performance), gave a rousing speech thanking the boys, the new Head of Cowen, Stewart Lucy, and previous Head, Sara Woolley.
Sutton
Arnold
Merritt
Kent Hughes
Hindley
Stewart Lucy, the Year 12 members of Cowen House and the trophy
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CANDIDE
The Cast of Candide
The 2018 Trinity-Ruyton Senior School Play was a glorious romp through the 18th Century following the trail of the hapless Candide. Scott Hunter’s adaptation of Voltaire’s philosophical novel showcases the Enlightenment ideals of equality and free will. According to the director, Trinity’s Head of Drama, Mark Lauber, the play ‘deals with big ideas in an absurdist and surreal manner, inviting us to take a critical look at our own time’. The audience accompanied Candide, played with great physicality and warmth by Year 12 student James Parry, through a series of misadventures as he sought to be reunited with his childhood love, Cunegonde. We laughed at the Old Woman with No Name and Only One Buttock, admired the survival instinct of Paquette, sympathised with the under-appreciated Cacambo, and were relieved by the surprising, yet fortunate, impact of the Bulgarian Drill. So many factors worked together to make this production a delight: the costumes and make-up, which were outstanding and contributed to the authenticity of the piece; the energy and clear enjoyment of the cast; and the thoughtful ideas presented in such a hilarious way.
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FINANCIAL REPORT Trinity is a not-for-profit institution and operates successfully on the financial discipline of income exceeding operating expenditure. 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. At the same time, it is imperative that we strive continually to develop and improve our academic and extensive cocurricular program and our facilities. 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. Within income, tuition fees account for 88% 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 64% of total expenditure. The School Council understands that the greatest effect on quality teaching and learning is the quality of staff. We shall ensure we continue to invest in the future in our wonderful teaching and support staff. The School has achieved an operating 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.
Total Expenditure 11% Direct educational costs
9%
Scholarships/bursaries 9%
Depreciation Maintenance, cleaning and grounds
64% 7%
Administration expenses
EXPENDITURE
2016
2017
$’000
$’000
Academic salaries and on-costs
21,248
22,222
Education expenses
5,665
6,255
Scholarships/ bursaries
2,637
2,875
Depreciation
3,741
4,017
Maintenance, cleaning and grounds
3,808
4,031
Administration expenses
4,067
5,046
Finance and other costs
334
160
Retained for capital development
5,620
5,195
47,120
49,801
Above is a summary of the financial position of the School, along with some comparative information with the previous year. 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. In addition to the income noted in the table above, the School is grateful for the continued financial support of the Parents’ Association, the Annual Giving Appeal and capital donations, and bequests from parents and past students. Donations for the past four years are shown below (noting a particular donation of $1m in 2016 towards scholarships):
Donations $1,800,000
INCOME
2016
2017
$’000
$’000
Tuition fee income
41,323
43,666
Grants
5,087
5,351
Other income
710
784
47,120
49,801
$1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 0
2014
2015
2016
2017
Copies of the Audited Financial Statements can be obtained from the Business Manager’s office.
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TRINITY COMMUNITY
The beautifully decorated venue
From the Parents’ Association In May, a very small sub-committee put on a huge event, the Green and Gold Ball. This magnificent themed evening was enjoyed by 280 parents and friends. There were some fantastic prizes thanks to the generous donations provided for the raffle and auctions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank that sub-committee and the volunteers who helped on the night, as together they enabled us to build upon the fabric of the School and support our community.
This time last year, the Parents’ Association had 20 Members of the Committee and one Member. We now have over 320 Members, many of whom have attended several of our recent meetings. One prominent theme of those meetings was the wish for the School to hear the voice of the community. As a result, we have set up a new sub-committee tasked with gathering the input of the parent community and presenting that to the School in a cohesive, positive way. I would like to thank the members who have put in extensive time to ensure that the consultation is a fair and equitable process.
Green and Gold Ball Conveners - Anna Wells-Janz and Sarah Makris
Many Parents’ Association volunteers support the boys behind the scenes through the various sub-committee groups. Whether that is through sports or arts activities, drama, music, or Harambee, or sub-committees to do with facilities or consultation, these volunteers give countless hours to enhance the academic and cocurricular opportunities available to our boys. We will focus on supporting all of the sub-committees with their development needs, and we look forward to the next major events, The Oaks Day Lunch and the Founders’ Day Fair. We hope to be able to provide discretionary grants to each of the sub-committees to help them run their events.
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Sharon Kendall and Kathi Sands with MC and OTG Peter Rowsthorn
Finally, I would like to thank all the supporters of the Parents’ Association, whether they are Members of the Committee, Members, staff, or financial contributors. We look forward to welcoming the new School Council and to working with them to ensure that the interests of the boys are first and foremost in all of our minds. EDWARD GRIFFITHS President of the Parents’ Association
TRINITY COMMUNITY Congratulations to the following members of the Trinity community whose work was recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours: Thomas Edmund Gleisner (past parent) - AO (Officer in the General Division) for distinguished service to the media and television industries as a writer, producer, actor and presenter, to children living with cancer, and as a supporter of young people with autism spectrum disorders. Professor Timothy Charles Lindsey (OTG 1979) - AO for distinguished service to international relations, particularly in promoting understanding between Indonesia and Australia, as an academic, and to legal education in Islamic law. Professor James McCluskey (past parent) - AO for distinguished service to medical education, as an academic in immunology, and through research into immune systems response to viruses. Professor Frank John Vajda AM (past parent) - AO for distinguished service to medical education in the field of clinical pharmacology and the genetics of epilepsy, and to the promotion of humanitarian values. Robert John Inverarity MBE (current grandparent) - AM (Member in the General Division) for significant service to education, and to cricket as a player, captain, coach, and national selector. Chong Voon Lim (past parent) - AM for significant service to the performing arts as a musician, composer, producer and musical director, and to the community.
Congratulations to the following boys who were recently presented with Premier’s VCE Awards in recognition of their outstanding performance in the 2017 VCE :
Anand Bharadwaj – Top All-Round VCE High Achiever and a Premier’s VCE Award for English (Anand also won a Premier’s VCE Award for French last year). Charlie Dixon – Premier’s VCE Award for Product Design and Technology. Luke Hill-Smith – Premier’s VCE Award for Drama. Anand Bharadwaj being presented with his award by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, the Hon James Merlino MP
Charlie Dixon being presented with his award
Luke Hill-Smith receiving his award
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FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE OLD TRINITY GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION At the Gold Mitre Lunch
The Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association (OTGA) welcomes the announcement of the newly formed School Council and we particularly congratulate Professor Don Campbell (OTG 1972) on his appointment to Council. We believe the newly appointed members’ broad representation of our community, skills, experience and connections will prove to be a valuable asset and the OTGA fully intends to offer support and focus on the future, whilst remaining cognisant of the students’ and teachers’ continuing need to concentrate on completing this year’s schooling. We have a great deal of confidence the reconstituted School Council will ensure an appropriate focus on delivering Trinity Grammar School’s Vision, Mission and Core Values. The Old Trinity Grammarians also extend their sincere appreciation to the outgoing Council members for their enormous contribution to the School over so many years.
completed their schooling 50 or more years ago. I enjoyed the reflections given by 1968 School Captain, Grant Oppy, who reflected on the inclusiveness of thenHeadmaster Mr Leppitt and how that culture and those lessons helped develop the lives of so many. Christopher Weinberg (OTG 2009) spoke about his passion for the School; he was representing his family and, in particular, his grandfather Ray, who was always a strong supporter of the lunch. Ray Weinberg (OTG 1944), unfortunately, passed away in May this year (a tribute to Ray can be found on Page 25). The Gold Mitre Lunch is a highlight on the calendar not only for the School, but also for our attendees, as it provides them with a regular opportunity to renew their acquaintance with friends and reminisce about their time at Trinity. It was great to hear how many of the attendees care about the School and how privileged and grateful they feel to be Old Trinity Grammarians.
I would also like to acknowledge the departure of David Constantinou (OTG 2002) and Miles Beamish (OTG 1984) from the OTGA Committee and thank them for their terrific contributions.
Late in 2017, the OTGA was pleased to make a joint contribution, with the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Football Club, towards the upgrade of lighting at the Marles Playing Fields (Bulleen). This will benefit not only the Old Boys’ sporting clubs, but also the current students who need the lights for winter training.
The OTGA also thanks everyone who has been involved with the consultation process and/or other working parties. Whilst this process is still underway, much work has gone on behind the scenes. Should any Old Trinity Grammarians wish to express an opinion on future aspects of our school, for instance in respect to its culture, size, or focus, or if you would like to share your views on the School’s direction, please feel free to contact me or any other members of the OTGA Committee. In March this year, I was pleased to attend the Gold Mitre Lunch, which is held annually in the Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts, for all Old Trinity Grammarians who
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The next OTGA CBD Lunch will be held on Friday 10 August, and our guest speaker is Mr John Gillam, newly appointed Chair to the School Council. We hope that many Old Boys will take the opportunity to note this date and come along on the day. Should you have any questions, please contact Sharon Kendall, Community Liaison, by email at kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au or by telephone on 9854 3668. DAVID BAUMGARTNER (OTG 1979) President
REUNIONS 1998 20-Year Reunion
The attendees at the 1998 Reunion
Lachlan Carter-Buszard, Michael Johnson, Richard Heath, Steve Higgs, Paul Murrihy and Nathan Hosking
School Captain Mark Briffa (OTG 1990-97) returned to school, along with 50 Old Boys from the 1998 cohort, for their 20-year reunion. Current and former staff members, including Rohan Brown, Kate Hall, Bob Hillman, Jo McCoy, Fiona Snape, David Mansour and Noel Stevens, attended the evening. Many thanks to former staff member Noel Boys, who provided a reflection on this year level during this very enjoyable evening.
2008 Ten-Year Reunion
Matthew Lara, James Hetherington Tim Piper, William Dunn, Will Norcott and Brodie Higgins
Robert Gillies, Nick Birrell, Lachlan Wallace and Patrick Brooks
John Fogarty, Harvey Lee, Jonathan Pau and Roland Lewis
It was terrific to see so many of our 2008 Leavers back at School for their Ten-year Reunion Dinner in May. Thanks to all who attended, and to Sam Tipping Smith (OTG 2001-08), who addressed the group. Current staff members, Rohan Brown, Kate Hall and Blake Meadows, provided some reflections to more than 40 Old Boys who attended this delightful evening.
The attendees at the 2008 Reunion
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REUNIONS
1968 School Captain, Grant Oppy, addresses the attendees
Ken Wong, John Poynter, Ray Emmett and Brian Parkinson
Darren McMenaman
2018 Reunion Dates DATE
EVENT
VENUE
Friday 10 August 7.00pm - 10.30pm
1988 30-Year Reunion Dinner
Centre for the Arts
Wednesday 5 September 6.30pm - 9.00pm
2013 Five-Year Reunion BBQ (rescheduled from March)
Centre for the Arts
Friday 24 August 7.00pm - 10.30pm
1978 40-Year Reunion Dinner
Centre for the Arts
Wednesday 10 October 6.30pm - 9.00pm
2017 One-Year Reunion BBQ
Hudson House
We are pleased to advise that the 2013 Five-Year Reunion, which was postponed in March, will now be held on Wednesday 5 September from 6.30pm - 9.00pm Year Level Reunions are held at the School and we look forward to welcoming our Old Trinity Grammarians. Invitations will be sent approximately four weeks prior to the event. Please note any dates of interest and let others know about these events. We are continually updating contact details for our Old Boys and would be grateful if you could send through changes to otg@trinity.vic.edu.au. The attendees at the 2018 Gold Mitre Lunch
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John Sutcliffe, Peter Vandersluys and John Tickell
John Daniel, Geoffrey Stone and Daryl Daley
David Ashton-Lewis and Julian Cairns
James Curtis-Smith, Geoffrey Broadbent and Peter Hassett
Gold Mitre Lunch Many thanks to over 130 of our Old Boys who returned to school on Wednesday 21 March for the annual Gold Mitre Lunch. The Gold Mitre Lunch is for those who have left the School 50 or more years ago and this year we welcomed the 1968 year group. Many thanks to Grant Oppy (OTG 1956-68), the 1968 School Captain, who reflected on some special memories and life lessons under the guidance of then-Headmaster, JJ Leppitt. Prior to the Lunch, many of the group enjoyed a tour of the school guided by our current students. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2019 when we welcome the 1969 Leavers to the Gold Mitre club.
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OTG CLUBS Paying their Respects on ANZAC Day
OTG Football Our Football Club had an indifferent start to 2018 with the performances of all five teams characterised by inconsistency not only across rounds, but within games as well. It may be that this is a period of adjustment as the players become acclimatised to a different playing style introduced by new coaches and support staff. The committee is absolutely delighted with the efforts and enthusiasm brought to the Club by Messrs Dinneen, MacDonald, Peters and Maus. We’re confident that their unstinting efforts will lead to more consistent form displayed by their respective teams.
Andrew Ramsden and Tom Young
At time of writing, the Women’s team is sitting on a 2-5 record, and has played some impressive football, pushing the teams above them in close finishes. Losing skipper, Ruby Long, early in the season was challenging, but numbers are up and the Club has committed to fielding a second women’s team in 2019. Dean Peters’ Under 19s are 5-3 with a healthy percentage and look likely finalists. A number of players - Mason, Larkey, Simondson - were promoted to the Seniors, making the team’s continued success more meritorious.
Andy Cultrera, Andrew Ramsden, Bernie Dinneen (coach) and Tom Mead
Poor disposal has hampered the Senior team, which is in the four with a 4-3-1 record. Injuries hit hard, with 34 players already used this year. The positive aspect of this loss is the experience gained by the younger players who acquitted themselves well at the top level.
The OTG Otters had a reasonably strong start to the 2018 winter season with the Firsts and Seconds sitting third and fifth respectively on their ladders.
Coach Pohl will be hoping for an improvement in the Development team going forward, as the gulf between their best and worst is far too great. Finals are not out of the question.
OTG Otters (Water Polo)
Strong captaincy from Louis Cerdan has seen the Firsts linking up nicely with some dynamic game play. The Seconds had great consistent contributions from Alex Goldsworthy and Alex Paterson, with a number of juniors also assisting each week.
See you at the footy!
With the summer 2018 season starting at the end of July, be sure to reach out if you wish to register your interest in joining the Otters, or get down to training on Monday nights: 7.45pm at Xavier.
MANNY NICOLOSI
NATHAN MERZVINSKIS (OTG 2009)
President of OTG Football
President of OTG Otters
The Thirds are at 6-2 and in third position. Coach Woodward is bullish about their chances come September.
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OTG Soccer
OTG Soccer As we approach the halfway mark of the 2018 season, things at OTGSC are looking incredibly bright on and off the field. For the first time in many years, halfway through the season, our Men’s Senior team is at the top of the table, leading by a small margin of two points. A consistent and well-drilled game plan implemented by Head Coach, John Kyrgios, has seen the boys incur only one loss and one draw so far. A number of outstanding performances from Old Boys, Daniel Kotsimbos, David Passaro, Lachlan Cho and Josh Del Rio, have helped power the Seniors to the top of the table, and we’re sure this form will carry on through to the end of the year. If the boys are able to remain consistent and stay at the top, it will be the first time in the Club’s history that they have gained promotion and will move up to State League 4. Fingers crossed!
The Men’s Reserves team is progressing in equally impressive fashion, also sitting atop the league table, with a 4-4 draw the only blemish on their outstanding season so far. Determination and consistency at training and the implementation of a solid playing style has seen the Reserves transform into a formidable team, as they look to continue their dominance of the league and secure yet another title. The Women’s team, affectionately known as ‘The Baes’, has seen an influx of young, talented girls join the team in recent months, giving coaches, Dean Trotta and Andrew Apostolopoulos, plenty of depth to work with throughout the season. The Baes have started the year off in fine form, securing a number of convincing wins, with only one loss and one draw to report so far. They currently sit third in the league and are looking to win back-to-back premierships in order to gain promotion to Women’s State League 2. Off the field, OTGSC has celebrated a number of successful social events, most recently our Parents and Friends Games Night, which saw a sell-out crowd treated to a night that won’t be forgotten any time soon. On the horizon, the Club is hosting a special event for OTGSC members in celebration of the FIFA World Cup. We also have our much loved Trivia Night, followed by the Presentation Night that wraps up our year. OTGSC is proud of its welcoming and friendly community and our door is always open to newcomers, so if you are interested in getting involved in soccer or know someone who is, please ask them to contact Co-Presidents Francesco Carosella (0432 702 681) or Kartik Misra (0426 233 433). Teams train Monday and Wednesday nights from 6.00-8.00pm at the Trinity Playing Fields in Bulleen. FRANCESCO CAROSELLA (OTG 2011)
The Women’s team
Co-President of OTG Soccer
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IN MEMORIAM ROGER ALEXANDER KENNEDY Much loved Senior School teacher, Roger Kennedy, died on 24 March 2018. Many of his Trinity colleagues attended a tribute to his life held at Montsalvat in Eltham. Brian McLean (Trinity staff member from 1967-1980) recalled Roger’s time at Trinity with fervour, humour, admiration and noted his outstanding skills as a drummer. After completing his education at Melbourne Grammar School, Roger travelled extensively. He was employed by Electrolux in London to work in the area of statistics, was a professional lifesaver and water ski instructor in the Channel Islands for four years, and worked in various capacities in Switzerland, Canada, West Germany and Italy.
MATTHEW ALAN HUDSON (OTG 1989-96) Matthew, who died on 6 April 2017 in New South Wales after a short illness, was described by his Trinity friends as an inspiring captain of the First Hockey team; he was someone who had plenty of pace and an abundance of energy. His school interests were diverse, ranging from collecting coins, making model planes, entering the Science Talent Search, participating in the Alliance Française, bushwalking, tennis, music, and Book Club, to working as a member of back stage crew for the musicals, and as an Open Day Guide. In his senior years, Matthew became a Leppitt Leader, gained a Duke of Edinburgh Award, participated in House Cross Country as a member of Roberts House, and was awarded School Colours. His Year 12 Head of Year, Bob Hillman, remarked that he was very pleased with the way Matthew had conducted himself around the School, while Headmaster, Peter Crawley, wrote: ‘Thank you for your contribution to school life. I trust you will be looking forward to the challenges of university life after a relaxing holiday.’
GEOFFREY JAMES WRIGHT (OTG 1943-46)
Roger Kennedy with some of his students
In 1966, at the age of 27, Roger began teaching and was allocated to Year 11 and 12 economics, and to coaching (with considerable distinction) the First XVIII. Headmaster JJ Leppitt wrote that Roger had built a very strong team and that he admired the way the boys worked together. On Roger’s retirement in 1986, Headmaster Don Marles described him as a strong personality - an independent thinker, who gave plenty of consideration to all matters as they arose, acted decisively and was a good organiser. Trinity and Assumption College play annually for the Kennedy-Carroll Cup in football. Trinity won back the Cup this year.
Geoffrey, with his two brothers, David and Thomas, was educated at the Tunstall State School. All three boys joined the Trinity Boarding House during the Second World War when food and clothing was severely rationed. Geoffrey became a member of Arnold House, joined the Cadets and, in his final year of 1946, won the Prize for Dux of the School. In 1947, Geoffrey began at Longerenong Agricultural College, then became a station manager and lived later at Jerilderie in New South Wales. When the family resided at Deniliquin in New South Wales, where Geoffrey was a station manager, his son, Peter John (OTG 1967-73), came to board at Trinity. Geoffrey died on 7 April 2018.
GRAHAM WILLIAM HUMPHREYS (OTG 1945-54) Graham, who died on 3 May 2018, was a boarder and will be remembered as an outstanding athlete who represented the School in both the athletics team and the First XVIII. On leaving school, Graham kept a close association with OTGA sporting clubs. He joined the Football Club and played from 1956-1966. At various times during that decade, he served as their secretary, treasurer and captain-coach. Graham worked in accounting firms and later became the general manager at Creative Advertising and Market Consultants. In 1962, he joined the OTGA Council as Treasurer and held that position until 1973, when he was elected as their President. His funeral took place at Trinity.
Roger Kennedy with the 1976 First XVIII
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JOLYON ARTHUR DUNN (OTG 1954-66) Jolyon Arthur Dunn, with his brothers, Peter and Philip, came to Trinity when the family moved from Queensland. At Trinity, Jolyon participated in the school’s scouts and through the camps and jamborees, formed long and close friendships. Those mates remained his best friends over the next 50 years. He was also a member of Henty House and enjoyed playing football. Jolyon studied accounting at RMIT and joined ICI (now Orica). He remained in accounting and management roles at ICI for 20 years. In 1990, he joined the Law Institute of Victoria as a trust account inspector. Jolyon was described as a highly skilled forensic accountant, determined and persistent. He uncovered serious crime, including murder, gave evidence in the Supreme Court and assisted victims of crime. He was awarded a Fellowship of Certified Practising Accountants for his high professional competence. Trinity friends remember fondly how he loved to tinker with, fit and repair motorbikes. He also enjoyed pottering in the garden and spending time with his wife, Jane, and son, Angus.
Born in Alexandra, Victoria, where his parents managed a local hotel, Ray began at Trinity in 1940 as a boarder in Merritt House. He quickly became renowned for his sporting prowess and was Captain of Athletics, Football, Shooting, Swimming and Lacrosse. Ray also joined the Trinity Cadet Corps, became an officer and, with fellow boarders, provided an advance guard for the cadet camps, leaving several days before the end of term to prepare the camp sites for the Trinity battalion. What is not generally recorded is that Ray won both the British History and European History Prizes in Year 12, was a member of the Library Committee, and enjoyed playing low level school cricket. His achievements as a student culminated in his being recognised as Captain of Merritt House and Captain of the School in 1944.
HUGH CAMERON BAILEY (OTG 2004-09) The Trinity community was saddened to hear of the recent sudden death on 11 May of Hugh Cameron Bailey. Hugh’s funeral was held in the South Room at Trinity. DR JANE MAYO CAROLAN Archivist
Ray Weinberg hurdling during training
RAYMOND HENRY WEINBERG AM (OTG 1940-44) The Trinity Community was saddened to hear of the recent death of Raymond Henry Weinberg, an outstanding athlete who represented Australia in the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games and was Athletics Coach and Team Manager for the 1968 Olympics. In 2002, Ray was awarded an AM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The four Weinbergs (Tim, Chris, Ray and Brett) together at Trinity in 2016
Beyond his achievements as an athlete – which include being a finalist in the 120 yards hurdles in the 1952 Olympics – Ray is best remembered in the Australian athletic community for his leadership of the team during the 1968 Olympics as both a coach and manager. Ray’s passion and ongoing service for the Australian Olympic movement never wavered; he was honoured as a torchbearer in advance of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and this year as a Life Member of the Victorian Olympic Committee. Outside of sport, Ray ran a hotel in Kerang, worked as a media and sales executive in Melbourne and volunteered as a tour guide at the Melbourne Cricket Club for over 20 years. He was married to Shirley for 68 years. Ray’s connection to Trinity was very strong; he was a regular feature at the annual Gold Mitre Lunch and a contributor to several of the school’s historical publications. In his retirement, he was recognised as one of the founding members of Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement and a room was named in his honour at the Tudor Centre’s opening in 2013. The Weinberg family is well known at Trinity, with Ray’s sons Brett (OTG 1965-71), also Captain of the School, and Tim (OTG 1973-78) attending the School, and daughter Michele attending Ruyton. A grandson, Christopher Weinberg (OTG 2003-09) was a School Vice-Captain and is currently teaching at Trinity, serving as the Head of Year 10. DR JANE MAYO CAROLAN, WITH TIM AND CHRISTOPHER WEINBERG
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NEWS OF OLD BOYS John Coltman (OTG 1952-58) and his wife Marion currently live in Barriere (about 300 miles northeast of Vancouver) with their daughter Hope. Located in the North Thompson River Valley, they are surrounded by 6000-foot high mountains on either side. There are no traffic lights, but plenty of deer, bears, cougars, wolves and mountain sheep. In winter, they enjoy downhill skiing as there is plenty of snow; in summer, they can hike and there are also many opportunities for rafting and mountain trips. John has great memories of Trinity and hopes to attend a Gold Mitre Lunch in the future. Markos Hasiotis (OTG 2006-10) won the popular ABC quiz show Hard Quiz in late-2017. Markos is an expert on James Bond.
Congratulations to Sam Tipping Smith (OTG 2001-08) and Eliza, who were married in November 2017. All the best for your future together. Sam Smith and his wife, Eliza
Max Collett (OTG 2010-15), Patrick Kendall (OTG 2011-16) and Zac Polidoros (OTG 2011-16) recently enjoyed catching up in Beijing where they are all studying at Peking University.
Zac Polidoros, Patrick Kendall and Max Collett playing AFL for the Beijing Bombers.
George Plain, Jonathan Rooke, Scott Langdon and Karl Mandekic
Congratulations to George Plain (OTG 1992-99) and Catherine Vines, who were married in April. George’s groomsmen were Jonathan Rooke, (OTG 1992-99), Scott Langdon (OTG 1993-99) and Karl Mandekic (OTG 1994-99). Many of our readers will recall George’s mother, Christine Plain, who worked at Trinity for many years – from 1992 through to 2015. Ian Armstrong (OTG 1949-60) and his wife, Mary, recently returned from a wonderful trip and are pictured at the New York Yacht Club.
Ian and Mary Armstrong in New York
Matthew Brown (OTG 2003-08) and his wife, Zoe, welcomed Charlie Ian Brown into the world in April. Both Zoe and Charlie are doing well. Congratulations to the Brown family.
Introducing Charlie Brown
Phil Bernadou and Robin Smead
After leaving Trinity, Philip Bernadou (OTG 1951-63), completed an apprenticeship in motor mechanics. He writes that ‘since my parents actively participated in motorsport, you could
say it was my destiny or I was born with petrol in my veins; either way, I didn’t have a chance.’ He has been involved in motorsport in Australia since that time, in such events as the Victorian Rally Championship, the Australian Porsche Cup and in 1995, he helped organise the Mobil 1 Round Australia rally. Philip is now the owner and event director of the Classic Outback Trial, a seven-day endurance rally for historic rally cars and the only long distance rally in Australia. His son, Antony Bernadou (OTG 1984-1992) lives abroad, but returns for each event to produce a commemorative book. Congratulations to Todd Goldstein (OTG 2001-06) who played his 200th game of AFL in May. Recently, past staff member Isabel Armer (on staff from 1977-2005) visited her local café, Niche, for her regular coffee. When she went to pay, she was surprised and delighted to discover that the bill had already been settled by a Trinity Old Boy. Isabel wrote to us hoping that he reads this Grammarian so she can say ‘Thank you!’ While at Trinity, Isabel initiated various projects in Nepal, which now come under the Rotary banner of Bright Future Projects. Isabel spends around three months each year working in Nepal, including at the Solukhumbu Community Centre (in the Everest region).
For more information or to add news of Old Boys for the Trinity Grammarian, please contact Sharon Kendall via email to kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au or by telephone on (03) 9854 3668. facebook.com/oldtrinitygrammarians/
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SUE FELTON INTERVIEWS EDDIE GIBBONS (OTG 1994) is currently the Director, Business Services at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO). VACCHO is the peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people living in Victoria. Describe your early days at Trinity. Early days at Trinity were spent in the Junior School, as I started as a Prep over in Roberts House. I had to adjust to wearing a cap each day to and from school, and then a tie during winter. The School at the time was smaller and was located on either side of Charles Street – along a Senior and Junior School split. There was the occasional walk up the road to Holy Trinity, Kew. The Bulleen Sporting Fields were in the process of being developed, and I recall going on an excursion there to plant a tree. To this day, every time I visit, I try to remember where I planted it. In the Junior School, daily Chapel and the stories (which still guide me today) in the room next to the Swimming Pool change room was the routine, along with the usual mix of classes. Also, the active involvement of the Year 6 Leaders (with their gold badges) during recess and lunch is also a strong memory. From an academic perspective, the day I was first given a reader was a big moment. After that, I was on the way to being able to read the daily paper with dad. Amongst my other earliest memories of Trinity was the allocation to a House. This was a proud and eagerly awaited moment as you were then able to wear the House t-shirt for sport, like a real grown-up schoolboy! I still don’t know the process they use to allocate boys to Houses, but I think they got it right with Merritt for me. The School’s activities for the Bicentenary of Australia when I was in Year 6 are a significant memory. I didn’t really understand it at the time, but reflecting on it now, it’s clear that we need to acknowledge that history should be learned in its entirety. Who had the greatest influence on you at Trinity? There was really no single greatest influence on me during my school days. Prior to commencing in Prep, I attended Little Ruyton, and then I spent 13 years at Trinity until I completed Year 12. After that, my journey continued due to with my involvement with the Old Boys’ hockey, the OTGA Committee (ten years as President) and the time I spent serving on School Council. Along this journey, there were many teachers, staff and others involved with the School who at different times influenced the way I approached things, thought about the world or simply challenged me (in a positive way).
Editor: Siobhan Latham lathams@trinity.vic.edu.au 9854 3600
Front cover photograph: Trinity’s Dadirri Officer Michael Naawi at the Closing the Gap Assembly
OTG Editor: Sue Felton feltons@trinity.vic.edu.au 9854 1215
Back cover photograph: Year 2 students Yuvin De Silva and Griffin Marsland
Eddie Gibbons
Some of these influences were felt over many years, whilst others involved just a simple phrase or action. If I were to reflect on a single teacher, it would be John Wootton – my swimming and water polo coach, Head of Year and occasional art teacher (I was a good art student). He epitomised discipline, fairness and dry humour – all aimed at developing my resilience. I still remember his challenge to me in Year 7, after I won the first leg in a swimming relay: win the Open Freestyle and I’ll buy you an ice cream. This gave me six years of aspiration and motivation. Wootton… I’m still waiting on that ice cream. The influence of the boys ahead of me also cannot be underestimated. The multi-age sports such as swimming or athletics allowed me to be around these boys. I would watch what they did, how they interacted with the younger boys, and I could see their positive attitudes. There were some great leaders, who passed on their passion for the green and gold. What have you taken away from your days at the School? Integrity, service and humility, as well as the value of hard work, and the importance of the team, both as a whole and in the individuals it comprises. Make the most of the opportunities available to you – they may present in unexpected ways. You have these because of someone’s dedication and vision before you. Everyone should have the opportunity to reach their potential. I have been assisted and supported by others, so I need to look for the way I can assist people to achieve their goals. What advice would you give to young men leaving Trinity? Your time at Trinity is short and passes so quickly. As you go forward, take the time to treasure your mates, value life’s experiences, and always remain open to learning from the people around you about the world and about yourself.
Many thanks to the staff, students, parents and other members of the Trinity community who provided photographs used in this publication. This magazine has been printed on FSC (Forestry Stewardship 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 manufacturer of this item are guaranteed to have minimum impact on the environment.
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