The Trinity Grammarian - October 2021

THE TRINITY

GRAMMARIAN Vol 36 No 3 | October 2021

October 2021 | 1

In this edition:

4

From the Principal

6

From the School Council

13 Music

20 From the Parents’ Association 22 Community Engagement 24 Farewell and thank you!

26 From the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association

7

The story behind the jumpers

14 Creating meaning and understanding in the ELC

28 Reunions 30 OTG Clubs 16 From the Junior School 8

Weaving stories in Art

32 News of Old Boys 34 In Memoriam

18 Trinity Trophies Part 3 10 Premier’s VCE Awards

Front cover photograph: Henry Smith and Zoe Boussioutas perform in Strictly Ballroom Back cover photograph: The boys’ artwork for the Indigenous Round jumper – please see page 7 for the meaning behind the symbols

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35 Back Page Interview Many thanks to the staff, students, parents and other members of the Trinity community who provided photographs used in this publication.

Erratum: In the July 2021 edition, it was mistakenly stated that Peter Crone had been a student at Camberwell Grammar.

Editor: Siobhan Latham e: lathams@trinity.vic.edu.au OTG News: Sharon Kendall e: kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au Admissions: Kathy Byrne e: admissions@trinity.vic.edu.au

Welcome to the October 2021 edition of The Trinity Grammarian!

The cast and crew of the Trinity-Ruyton Musical Strictly Ballroom

In this edition, we congratulate this year’s recipients of Premier’s VCE Awards: Jesse Ash, Henry Brown, Will Browning and Andrew Lim from the Class of 2020, who demonstrated outstanding achievement in the Victorian Certificate of Education.

Art and sport combined in Trinity’s Indigenous Round jumper. Students Phillip Cooper, Levi Christophersen, Antwan Huddleston, Hurra Hudson and Tarkyn Tallon Rosas worked diligently to combine totems and other symbols of significance to them in an artwork that adorns the Indigenous Round jumper (as well as our back cover). The ELC children were fascinated when Chris Johnson, head of the school’s Indigenous program, and teacher, Nathan Newcastle, came to explain the symbols to them – and Nathan brought a didgeridoo!

Our pets have sustained many of us through quarantine and lockdowns. Junior School Music students had a ‘Bring your pet to

class’ day – although stuffed animals were welcome too! President of the Parents’ Association, Heidi Pfeffer, sent through lots of images of cute canines, but the message behind these images is even more heartwarming than the dogs themselves.

Sadly, despite the production having persisted through four Victorian lockdowns and 171 days in isolation – including being postponed on its opening night – the Trinity-Ruyton Musical, Strictly Ballroom, was cancelled. As Ruyton’s Director of Drama, Darcie Kane-Priestley, reflected, ‘The journey and process of creating this musical was one that we will all cherish very closely to our hearts… Strictly Ballroom is not just a story about a couple of ballroom dancers, but is an extended metaphor about artistic expression, and the notion that “art and rulebooks don’t mix”. It shares with us the story of our ability to withstand pressure and to fight for what we believe. It reminds us of our power to feel, be true to ourselves, and to not let fear get in the way. Our

students, from Ruyton and Trinity, did not let fear get in the way of their commitment to this production.

They gave it absolutely everything.’

The silver lining perhaps is that photographs were taken at a dress rehearsal, one of which is on the cover of this magazine, as well as an image of the cast and crew above.

If you would prefer to read this magazine online, please let us know by emailing trinity@trinity.vic.edu.au You can keep up to date with all things Trinity at: trinity.vic.edu.au (where you can also access the digital version of this magazine) trinity.grammar @trinitygrammarkew We hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Trinity Grammarian.

Siobhan Latham Editor

October 2021 | 3

From the Principal It was timely that some of the Olympic Games took place while so many in the Trinity Grammar School community were in a 14-day quarantine period. What a worthy distraction it proved for many as we swiftly fell into the four (or five!) year rhythm of becoming instant experts in relatively obscure sports.

Whereas I have not ridden a BMX since around the time Nicole Kidman popularised them, I found myself still prepared to cast the same sort of ‘knowledgeable’ opinion regarding the performances on offer as I have been guilty of applying to diving or European handball in previous Olympic Games.

A distraction from the challenge of a graver form of lockdown from those we have had before was welcome. While an odd, less festive version of the Olympics played out in Japan, as a school community we struggled with the suggestion of the flagging engagement of students,

the challenge for staff to manage their own realities while striving to deliver a Trinity education, the compromised working lives (and income for many) of families and the very real concern for those among us who contracted COVID and became ill. Ten students, ten staff and at least eight ‘household contacts’ were infected and had various experiences of illness, including hospitalisation for a few towards the end of our ‘cluster’s’ active cases. All are now well.

As I write this we are still in the ‘lighter’ form of lockdown and uncertain of the future, again, for our students. This year’s Year 12 was, of course, last year’s Year 11.

They have spent a good deal of time in an alternate version of schooling and societal norms. They have been asked to thrive in an environment in which their adult mentors and family are not soundly firm footed. It makes their ongoing achievements all the

more impressive, because they have thrived in many ways.

Undoubtedly, it has been a struggle.

Adolescent psychologist Andrew Fuller, when writing to young people recently said in an understated way, ‘It is unlikely that you will look back at 2021 as the best year of your life.’

Despite the apparent grimness, there has been a vivid pragmatism in the face of the loss of keenly sought-after events – sport at our highest level, concerts, the Formal, Strictly Ballroom (the musical) and so on. It seems to me that, while some are coping better than others and the concerns are real, they have been able to face into the wind and cope when others around them have struggled when worrying for them.

Fuller stressed that ‘life won’t always feel like this.’ He reminded them that a century ago, the Spanish influenza virus devastated the world and then was controlled. The same occurred

It was great to catch up with our Year 11 students, including Oscar Brown, Aden Wilmshurst and David Dodson

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Whenever we have been able to return to school, the Year 12s have enjoyed seeing their friends. Pictured are Louis Blunt, Thomas Waldron, Charlie Limmer and Matthew Clayton

for smallpox, measles, poliomyelitis and the same will occur for COVID. His was a message of ‘this too will pass’. Things will get better.

He is right, of course, and it is my belief that there will be visible and enduring benefits from a situation that currently seems dire. Among them is a less hectic lifestyle, the chance for stronger family connections and an appreciation of the societal freedoms we usually enjoy. Our young people, across the

school, may not look back on the last 18 months as a great time in their lives, but they might appreciate that from the difficulties some good has emerged. They might be able to reflect on the areas in which they have been able to thrive.

It was good to have the Olympics as a diversion from the reality of 2020 and 2021. It was a tangible example that the show will (and must) ‘go on’. It was a relief to focus on events

beyond our shores and it was a great time in our history to be reminded of the Olympic Creed, to reflect on the idea that ‘The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.’

Adrian Farrer Principal

Mr Farrer reads Superworm to the ELC children

October 2021 | 5

From the School Council Trinity has always been clear about what is important, what matters, what is of value.

One of the great philosophers of the 20th Century, Bob Dylan, once declared that ‘we are all in a constant state of becoming’.

Channelling the German Existentialists of the 1930s, Dylan believed that we must constantly adapt and change to adjust to the ever-evolving context in which we live. For artists this is imperative if they wish to consistently create original work; for all of us this is necessary if we wish to remain both connected and fulfilled. Importantly, Dylan would argue that we need to act authentically in alignment with our professed values, the ethical and moral framework we hold that guides us, as we positively negotiate our pathway through our lives.

The past few months for all of us have been difficult, yet Dylan’s perspective provides us with a set of principles that allows us to negotiate the complexities and challenges that the pandemic has thrown at us as a community. We must deal with them as best as we can, and that means continuing to frame and scaffold all our actions and responses within the values that make us the strong community we are.

Trinity has always been clear about what is important, what matters, what is of value. I think it is evident in the way we have navigated the difficult currents of the past few months, which has been enabled very much by the collective sense of the strength of the community and an understanding that we are all in this together. The care and compassion that have been shown for others and the support that has been extended have been exemplary.

Needless to say, in the face of the impact of COVID’s reach into the Trinity community, Council paused much of its strategic thinking for the future in order to focus on adapting and responding to the pressing and unprecedented needs of the present. Our key role has been in supporting the work of the school’s Leadership Team as they lead us through unparalleled times. On behalf of Council, I particularly wish to note the exemplary leadership of our Principal, Adrian Farrer, who, aside from his rapid learning of the intricacies of epidemiology and genomics, has untiringly extended care to all members of our community. I would also wish to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Mark Glover, Director of Business, who has diligently (and sometimes presciently) ensured that all the operational details of running the school during rapidly changing times have been attended to.

Of course, Adrian and Mark have been assisted by a team of dedicated professionals who ensured once again that the school pivoted from face-to-face to Distance Learning swiftly and seamlessly, whilst at the same time dealing with the personal challenges that each lockdown brings.

But, of course, the most important thing is that we continue to deliver the best Trinity education that we can for our students against the constantly changing context of the ongoing pandemic. Underpinning all, however, has been the clear commitment to assuring a quality learning environment, bedded in the foundational values of the school, within which all students may thrive.

Simon Gipson OAM Chair of School Council

Vincent and Elliot enjoy collaborating in their learning

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Tarkyn Tallon Rosas, Antwan Huddleston, Hurra Hudson and Levi Christophersen in the football jumpers they designed

The story behind the jumpers Whenever possible, despite the lockdowns in Semester One, Levi Christophersen, Phillip Cooper, Antwan Huddleston, Hurra Hudson and Tarkyn Tallon Rosas met regularly after school to work on their design for Trinity’s 2021 Indigenous Round jumpers. These would be worn by the First Football, Hockey, Rugby and Soccer teams in the Indigenous Round of the interschool sport season.

In the first session the boys didn’t know where to start because they wanted to capture the whole school in one design. Following lots of discussion, they decided to use three waterholes on the chest to represent the Senior School, the Junior School and the Bulleen Playing Fields, with the lines between each waterhole symbolising the waterways and connection between the three places.

It was also important that, within the design, each boy was represented through their totems.

Antwan’s totem, the pheasant, can be seen on the right. The pheasant is commonly found in the Northern Territory, the land of Antwan’s father, a Jawoyn man.

The emu on the left is from Tarkyn’s Dreaming and it is from his dad’s side of the family. The emu is a large bird that cannot fly but it can run really fast. Many people hunt them but it’s forbidden for Tarkyn’s family because it can make them really sick.

Phillip Cooper’s totem is an Namarrgon, also known as the soul taker. This totem is like an urban legend that comes out at night and tries take you away or cut off your tongue when you whistle at night.

Our Elders hunt it away by making a lot of noise – they might bang against a wall or sing a cultural song. This totem travels around Arhnem Land where Phillip comes from, the land of the Iwaidja mob and Gunwinggu tribe.

The turtle on this jumper represents James Arnall and Hurra Hudson.

The long-necked turtle is local to the area of Hurra’s mum’s side up in Echuca and it is also the totem for many other Aboriginal clans.

The boys wanted to acknowledge that there have been many others before them in Trinity’s Dadirri program, and the lily pads on the jumper represent the Indigenous students who preceded Levi and Tarkyn at Trinity. Whilst they are no longer at the school, it was important that they were represented. The kangaroo footprints are symbolic of the journey the boys are on and the Aboriginal warrior on the back of the jumper represents the Trinity community as warriors.

Chris Johnson Head of the Dadirri Boarding House and Head of the Indigenous Student Program

October 2021 | 7

Weaving stories in Art The Arts curriculum requires the exploration of art forms, visual and performing, from different social, cultural and historical contexts, and schools are expected to include learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art forms in their teaching and learning programs.

– VCAA, 2016 As part of the Trinity’s commitment to Reconciliation, the Art Faculty has begun to embed Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum at Years 7 to 10. Art in Year 7 and 8 is an intensive term-based subject, while from Year 9 onwards it is an elective and students gain increasing independence with the work they pursue. The study of Indigenous art forms is dictated within the Victorian Curriculum and all the content developed and delivered within the Art Faculty follows three guiding principles: • Students are provided with an historical framework to develop a broader understanding of the breath of Indigenous cultural practice and the philosophical foundations that underpin it • Students are encouraged to think critically about western art conventions and perspectives • Students will view the work within the framework of the cross curricula priority of sustainability, reinforcing how Indigenous cultural practice is inextricably linked to Country When possible, students will have instruction from an Indigenous teacher/artist, either in the classroom or through digital content or public museum collections. It is very important that the dominant voice or narrative in the classroom is Indigenous – the teacher acts as a facilitator rather than subject specialist. Artists-in-residence play

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an important role in the delivery of this content and are selected from a range of communities and media.

In 2020, the students worked with artist-in-residence Lorraine Kabbindi White, a Kunwinjku, Gunmok woman who grew up in western Arnhem Land. Trinity commissioned White to create four works on paper which have been scanned and installed as acoustic panels in the Drum meeting room within the Tudor Centre.

The panels depict a progressive narrative and include key motifs of the artist’s life and the artistic legacy that she has inherited. White worked on the panels in the Daley Gallery within the Art Department and many of the Year 7 and 8 students were able to observe her working and speak with her about the narrative, materials and techniques.

White begins her works on paper by laying down the textural base using inks and traditional ochres mixed with a fixative. Onto these textural backgrounds she adds layers of shapes and slowly fills in the fine detailed brush work. The intricate parallel line work (rarrk) and x-ray style are typical of the western Arnhem tradition. The layering of these images over the top of each other represents the passage of time and the enduring narratives of her

Joel McCall, Year 8

people. These panels speak of the artist’s deep spiritual connection to her country and all the species within it. Her ancestors are part of this country and are still embedded in the narratives that she shares.

This is all part of her Dreaming – a personal story of creation and being.

The original four works on paper are now part of the Trinity Grammar Collection and provide a wonderful teaching resource.

In Term 1 this year, students in Years 7 and 8 worked with the Numbulwar weavers from the Gulf of Carpentaria. Guided by an instructional video created on Country, students created small baskets in the Numbulwar style.

During the remainder of this year, the Art Faculty will begin to pilot programs for Years 9 and 10.

Indigenous perspectives are also considered as part of students’ VCE studies in Years 11 and 12, with students in VCE Studio Arts often studying one Indigenous artist as part of the Studio Arts program Students in VCE Media and Visual Communication courses also participate in the artist-in-residence programs.

Sarah George Art Teacher

Brandon Eng, Year 8

Lorraine Kabbindi White with her work Nayuhyungki

Nayuhyungki by Lorraine Kabbindi White is the first of four works on paper commissioned by Trinity Grammar in 2020. This work is about the Dreaming story of the creation mother who placed each clan group and language in different regions.

Lorraine Kabbindi White explains the work in this way: ‘This piece is all to do with the spiritual realm. Even though we are in a modern society this spiritual identity lives in the core of all of us; it’s still there. We just need to take the time to be in a quiet place and be at peace with ourselves to find it. When you look at this work you sense the time that has passed, different layers represent different stories and time passing over generations from the first people to today.’

William Johnson, Year 7

Patrick Ben, Year 8

Ben Reynolds, Year 8

Bill Chen, Year 8

October 2021 | 9

Premier’s VCE Awards Each year, Victoria’s top performing VCE students are selected by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and recognised with Premier’s VCE Awards. As a result of their outstanding performance in the 2020 VCE, four Trinity students received awards. We also congratulate Ruyton student,

Simone Lin, who was recognised with awards for Geography and Product Design and Technology, both of which she studied at Trinity as part of the Coordinate Program.

Trinity’s Head of Year 12, Chris Amiconi, acknowledged that receiving these awards for the 2020 VCE is a feat in itself given how

these students’ lives were upended

by COVID. To have been able to maintain their commitment and motivation during a year when even examination dates were uncertain is remarkable. Chris noted that all VCE students at Trinity were well supported during a turbulent year by their parents, teaching staff, mentors, and, of course, each other.

Jesse Ash (OTG 2020)

Jesse Ash received a Premier’s VCE Award for VET Hospitality. Jesse’s work for VCE Product Design and Technology was also featured in the VCE Season of Excellence.

Interestingly enough, I only picked up VET Hospitality at the start of Year 12 (in lieu of Mathematical Methods, much to my mother’s chagrin). I made this change because I struggled to study for Maths but found it easy to put in the time and effort to do well in Hospitality. By choosing a subject that aligned with my interests and skills, studying no longer felt like a chore, thus allowing me to sustain my energy for longer periods of time.

This was much more valuable than any scaling bonuses.

Now I am putting my Hospitality skills to good use working for a contract butlering company, whilst studying Geology at the University of Melbourne. Despite initially enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts, the flexibility of Melbourne’s offering allowed me to study Science via their breadth program and officially switch to a Bachelor of Science after a short Mathematics catch-up course.

Henry Brown (OTG 2020) the common theory that Accounting is just putting ‘numbers in boxes’, I highly recommend this subject for those who are methodical in their thinking and who like numbers and Maths.

Henry Brown, a School Vice-Captain, received a Premier’s VCE Award for Accounting.

Accounting is a subject I had loved ever since my first exposure to it with Mr Lucas in Year 10. Despite

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It sounds clichéd, but I owe any success I was able to achieve to my classmates for their entertainment and humour, as well as to Mr Pateman for his tireless efforts to engage with us and improve our understanding. I was also lucky enough to have boys around me who were eager to engage in discussions (sometimes heated arguments!) about questions and content. This highly competitive yet

supportive environment was the key to success in Accounting at Trinity across the board last year.

It goes without saying that I am humbled by this award. At times last year I was moments away from dropping the bundle and giving up. But – and this is the lesson I learned – if your mindset is positive and you are willing to treat learning as a continuous process, accepting that you can never know everything, amazing things are within reach.

My interests in this area of study have extended beyond school as I am currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Actuarial Science.

Will Browning (OTG 2020) to are quick to share their pity for a year they see as having been ‘lost’, I personally see it as simply ‘different’ than we expected.

Will Browning, Captain of Debating and Public Speaking during Year 12, received a Premier’s VCE Award for English.

It is fair to say that ours was a less-than-usual Year 12 experience.

Yet while many of those I speak

What is easily overlooked is that 2020 at least began to teach us the value of working well in a selfdirected and self-propelled manner.

Obviously, we’d all have preferred a face-to-face year – and for many, independent learning came with difficulty, or even not at all. But with the glimmer of extra perspective that 1.5 semesters of uni brings, I know last year brought with it many hidden learnings and silver linings, and they are important to acknowledge.

I think that’s what I’ll take from 2020 the most, and what I’d hope others do too. Not the ‘self-directed learning’ bit specifically, but more the knowledge that even when things seem to be at rock bottom, there are always silver linings.

And more importantly, if you can’t see them straight away, that’s OK. Have faith and patience. Often, all it takes is six months, and you have an entirely refreshed outlook.

I am currently studying undergraduate Medicine at Monash University and absolutely loving it – I can’t wait to see what other silver linings from 2020 are still to present themselves.

Andrew Lim (OTG 2020)

Andrew Lim, who was Captain of Academics in his final year at Trinity, received a Premier’s VCE Award for Latin.

After interdisciplinary offers from Presidential Honours at NYU to Physics/Philosophy MSci at KCL, I’ve settled at the University of Melbourne for a BSc in Physics and a Diploma of Latin. To me, Classics was always about liberal arts – integrating literature,

linguistics, history, philosophy and more. I chose it not on practicality or job-readiness, but obscurer opportunities: discovering forgotten civilisations, dreaming of common humanity, and hoping yesteryear answered today’s impetuous yearnings. So, my best Latin advice likewise sidesteps the corporeal: immerse yourself in the subject.

Hear great orators – Kennedy echoing Cicero’s cadence (use it yourself!). Read and write poetry – Dickinson and Whitman blurring intimate and epic like Ovid and Vergil. Ponder linguistics and philosophy, how and why we communicate.

For beyond curricular confines, challenges become opportunities.

While 2020 meant screen fatigue and ‘SAC Hell Week’ (three SACs, six labs, plus the SAT!), it also

enabled co-founding The Trinity Inquirer, penning international research papers, and writing tricolon-filled speeches. I couldn’t do everything I planned…but maybe I shouldn’t have. I had more time to write, think, speak – and was all the better for it. After all, those original artes liberales were ‘the freedman’s arts’: developing engaged citizens, offering new perspectives over factoids. There’s a reason why, answering a nation’s grief, RFK invoked Aeschylus. Why Jefferson read of ‘nothing…but…heroes of Troy…Pompey and Caesar.’ Why college ‘core curricula’ still contain ancient epics. Our experiences shape our reading – and it shapes us. Through these texts, we consider our world and inhabit those infinitely different from it: finding lessons in literature…thus, seeking lessons.

October 2021 | 11

Modelling the UN Given the high interest in international relations amongst our student body, and the continuing realisation that global issues affect all countries equally, Trinity and Ruyton organised an online Model United Nations in conjunction with the United Nations Association of Australia (Victorian Division).

The key topic for this year’s Model UN was Combating Climate Change: Committing to Global Action, and students from Trinity represented a diverse range of countries in debating, discussing and negotiating a United Nations resolution on climate change. The Year 10 students who participated in this event researched their topics thoroughly, and had to present the genuine views of the country that they had been allocated, understanding both the national interest and how this intersected

with a global issue. The eight teams from Trinity negotiated with teams from five external schools, as well as with each other, to try and reach agreement. The following are some reflections from students who participated on the day.

Team China thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Model UN. We learned about many concepts related to peacekeeping and were thrilled to take part in discussions between a variety of nations (represented by students from a range of schools). The event was well run and we relished the opportunity to be involved. – China (Henri du Toit, Oliver Horan and Joshua Moss) The Model UN experience is about working cooperatively with students from different schools, which was

a very enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend students participate in this program if they have the opportunity to do so. – Saudi Arabia (Chase Cai, Liam Furlong and Tyler Roche) The Model UN was a great success, and an opportunity for everyone involved to gain an insight into the viewpoints of different countries regarding the global issue of climate change. It allowed students to generate proposals and ideas to suit the nation they were representing and its climate change goals. At the same time, this necessitated students putting aside their own beliefs and speaking from the perspective of their allocated country. We found that our public speaking skills improved significantly throughout the day, as we were forced out of our comfort zones and had to talk to people we had never met before about a global issue. – Ukraine (Noah Dekker, Daniel Marcou and Tom Ross) The Model UN was an incredible experience, giving us an insight into the diverse views of countries all over the world. It was amazing to see the proposals, amendments and debates centred around climate change, and to have a glimpse of what real international delegations might entail. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and even in an online format, it was a great opportunity for all of us. – Finland (Justin Kwong, Hugo Lie and Lucas van den Berg) Dr Samuel Koehne Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning and Director of Professional Learning

At this year’s Model UN hosted by Trinity and Ruyton

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Music As I write my final article for The Trinity Grammarian, I contemplate the individuality, uniqueness and wonder of our school, and the amazing things that have happened here over many years, in particular, during 2020 and 2021.

Teaching and learning music is important, but it is only one of many vehicles at school through which we grow and develop the ‘whole person’: the OTG who is well known and respected for their qualities of friendliness, humility, hard work, generosity, and many for their outstanding musicality.

To thrive is to feel good, be good at something, be healthy, to flourish, bloom, grow, succeed, shine, and prosper, and yet also to be able to cope with stress, obstacles which impede our direction, and conflict.

Music teaches us how to live a good life. Our boys continue to demonstrate this in every online lesson, through their (usually) joyful

interactions with each other and their teachers, their willingness to solve problems and debate various approaches to playing, and their pure pleasure of performing.

This term, the entire TGS Music community became highly proficient at oscillating between face-to-face and Distance Learning; classroom music, individual instrumental and voice lessons, ensemble sectional rehearsals and student recitals took place at school, then suddenly…did not.

Instruments, music, microphones, books and other paraphernalia were quickly assembled for another departure – we were now experts in the art of the hasty exit.

Planning for external examinations, recording of scheduled performances and special endof-year events began in earnest through online communication, still with an air of uncertainty as to when we would actually return to school.

A special virtual recording of The Blessing, was created, involving a range of musicians from Anglican schools, resulting in a magnificent musical record of 2021 which was shared throughout the community.

If you would like to access this recording, it is available on the Anglican Schools Australia (ASA) facebook page.

Junior School Music staff initiated themed rehearsals where students were encouraged to bring their pet along, resulting in much hilarity and good humour! Senior musicians attended online instrumental workshops in preparation for VCE studies, and others made recordings at home to be enjoyed by the school community at assemblies.

Instrumental staff organised online recitals, which ensured all members of the family could attend and enjoy hearing their son’s musical progress from the comfort of their home.

Extended family members, some overseas, were frequently invited to attend these recitals, and their appreciation and enjoyment was positive and palpable.

At the time of writing, we eagerly anticipate a return to school, but in the meantime, we know that music will sustain and energise us in ways we previously did not know were possible.

Michelle Stanic Director of Music

A still shot from The Blessing

October 2021 | 13

Creating meaning and understanding in the ELC ‘Aboriginal people are like the big boys of Australia.’ – Felix ‘Aboriginal people are very old.’ – Jayden M ‘Black is for the people. Red is for the land. Yellow is for the sun.’ – Evan ‘I am English-Chinese. I am Australian because I live in Balwyn North.’ – Benji ‘Wominjeka means welcome.’ – Zac

‘They came first.’ – Yvon Indigenous culture is becoming embedded in our ELC and can be seen and experienced in various ways. Through the Early Years Learning Framework’s ‘Being, Belonging and Becoming’, we are sharing knowledge with our students about the history, tradition and culture which influences and shapes our thinking in positive ways.

Chris Johnson shares the AFL Indigenous Round jumper he designed

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As we embed discussions, stories and experiences of Indigenous culture into our children’s daily rhythms, we can see them create meaning and understanding through storytelling and the use of symbols.

In Term 3, the children and staff spent time learning about and celebrating the rich history and diverse cultures of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islanders using NAIDOC Week to frame our discussions.

At Trinity, we are fortunate to be able to connect with Indigenous staff within our community. We invited two Indigenous staff members, Chris Johnson and Nathan Newcastle, into our space to share stories about their family heritage

Isaac engages with our national flags through puzzles

Joe Fisher has fun with beads in the Aboriginal colours

and their culture. Mr Newcastle brought Aboriginal artefacts and used these to illustrate his stories about his family. Mr Johnson brought the Fitzroy jumper he designed for the Brisbane Lions in this year’s Indigenous Round of the AFL competition. He spoke about the symbols represented on the jumper and referred to them as ‘totems’. We learned that totems represent things you respect on your Country, things that are special and meaningful for you.

We were also fortunate to see the jumpers Trinity’s Indigenous students designed for the Indigenous Round of the AGSV competition. These students are part of the school’s Dadirri Program.

The designs captured the stories of each Dadirri student and their connection with Trinity.

As a staff at the ELC, we aim to model empathy and appreciation of Indigenous culture by sharing thoughts, ideas and stories with our Jarjums (a word which means ‘children’). Being reflective is imperative in how we teach others to learn or re-learn and can help us to enrich our knowledge and understanding. Children are experts

Yvon and Zac use clapping sticks whilst singing an Indigenous song

in fairness and sharing history and stories with them enhances all children’s sense of place within our community.

One way we have shared our appreciation of Indigenous culture is by exploring Aboriginal symbols in the children’s play. We have read Aboriginal Dreamtime stories together, created yoga sequences with the children and used Aboriginal words and symbols in our artwork. Mr Johnson and Mr Newcastle explained that symbols show how people are feeling, and emotions are conveyed through the stories. In the absence of written languages, Aboriginal people used paintings to transfer knowledge. We learned that symbols were painted in caves, and on rocks and trees. For our stage of development, symbols and painting fit well with how our children convey their own meaning and make sense of the world.

Over the term we have spent time experimenting with using symbols to create meaning and to make our own stories.

‘Dadirri’ is an Aboriginal word meaning a deep inner listening and quiet, still awareness. At the ELC, we embrace the ‘Dadirri’

embedded in Trinity’s values and beliefs, as we endeavour to walk with the Indigenous community.

Our journey is an evolving one and we will continue to reflect through classroom learnings and by working with Indigenous staff members to increase our knowledge about and understanding of our First Australians. Relating and responding holistically to People, Land, Culture, Language, Spirit and the relationships between these is a way for us to develop relationally responsive practice in the way we guide our children.

This is a journey, a time to think of our First Nations people. It is important that we acknowledge the past, understand the present and embrace the future. In order for our children to learn the stories of our Indigenous culture, our first step is to make a commitment to learn as much as we can about the history and embed knowledge, meaning and understanding for our young learners.

Naomi Wright Director of the ELC

October 2021 | 15

From the Junior School

Prep student Victor learning from home

What is a language?

During Enhanced Learning sessions, students have been investigating extinct and ‘dead’ languages.

We began the term focusing our learning on the Central Idea: Language is a vehicle for communication and self-expression.

After being given many provocations

Luca and Ethan calculate the length of a book

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Brian Gu with his beautiful mandala

to get them started, students selected a language that captured their interest.

Many were intrigued by the Indigenous languages that have disappeared from our culture, so they decided to inquire into the ‘causation’ of their disappearance and the ‘function’ of this language when it was alive. The students

demonstrated agency as they used the Key Concepts of Causation, Connection, Form and Function to frame their inquiry.

Ultimately, the boys discovered, as a result of their inquiry and research, that the evolution of language has a remarkable history and the languages of Australia are incredibly diverse.

Adam Tomlinson (OTG 2011) spoke to the Junior School students about the importance of resilience

Preps get creative!

In Mathematics, our youngest students have been learning about measurement. They measured everything they could find – books, desks, toys, even each other! They used different informal tools to estimate and measure different objects, including unifix blocks and counters. The Preps then collaborated with their classmates

Prep students Nathan, Ethan and Brian were busy measuring in Maths

to work out the total length. When learning went online, the Preps continued to discover through a range of hands-on learning opportunities. During their PYP unit of inquiry, they investigated how changes in the environment affect how people live. They were researchers and inquirers as they conducted a range of weather experiments to discover how rainstorms, clouds and tornadoes form. During Art sessions, they also were encouraged to go outside (as far as they could when we were in quarantine) and forage for natural objects to create mandalas, again using their Maths skills to construct a geometric configuration of their found items. The students were excited to share photographs of their amazing creations.

adversity with grace than OTG and current AFL Melbourne Demons defender Adam Tomlinson (OTG 2011)?

Adam Tomlinson visit

We greatly appreciated Adam’s visit and his willingness to share his thoughts on being resilient. We wish him every success when he returns to the field after ACL surgery and continues his career with the Melbourne Football Club in 2022.

The theme for this year’s Junior School Physical Education Assembly was resilience and the key elements needed to face adversity – rather timely! Who better to highlight the importance of the personal attribute of resilience and how to overcome

In what could arguably be described as Melbourne’s most successful season (at the time of writing they are through to the AFL Grand Final), Adam spoke to the Junior School students and staff about the unfortunate injury sustained earlier in the season which ruled him out for the remainder of the year. A key defender for the Dees, this would have been devastating for Adam; yet he revealed to us how he has managed to cope with this setback.

His resilience and generosity were also apparent in the way he encouraged his teammate, Harrison Petty, to take up the opportunity to replace him in the team.

October 2021 | 17

Trinity Trophies – Part Three Not all trophies are for sporting success, underpinning the school’s commitment to a broad education.

and Leslie Oration were Aden Wilmshurst of Year 11 and Andrew Zhang of Year 9 respectively.

The Howard Everard Shield – Hospitality Competition

Although not all awards are for sporting success, many of Trinity’s trophies and prizes acknowledge outstanding achievement in the sporting arena.

It is terrific that an enduring and well-subscribed competition is the Hospitality competition for Senior School students. The winner is awarded the Howard Everard Shield.

Howard attended Trinity from 1920 to 1930 and afterwards ran a business called Press Cuttings. He used to cut up the daily papers and send press articles to businesses or file them. It was sort of like Google before technology. In retirement, Howard loved to bake cakes and make jams and chutneys, entering them in agricultural shows. His blackberry sponge was magnificent!

Howard left a small bequest to the school to establish the cooking competition which is now in its 16th year.

The Bunting, Leslie and Younger Orations – Public Speaking Awards The school conducts three internal public speaking competitions named after three distinguished Old Trinity Grammarians. The senior competition for Years 11 and 12, The Bunting Oration, is named after Sir John Bunting (OTG 1936) while The Leslie Oration, named after Bishop Ken Leslie (OTG 1928), is for students in Years 9 and 10.

Students in Years 7 and 8 vie to win The Younger Oration, named after journalist and author Ron Younger (OTG 1934). This year it was won by Year 8 student Leo Min. The winners of this year’s Bunting Oration.

18 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

The JF Ross Tennis Racquet While relocating Trinity’s Archives to the Ian Armstrong Room in the Tudor Centre, I came across the JF Ross Tennis Racquet. Between 1916 and 1950, this woodenframed racquet with a metal band around the head was presented to the student who won the singles handicap competition. The winners’ names are inscribed on the metal band around the edge of the racquet. JF Ross was a teacher at school from 1910 to 1914. The last winners were Brian Austen (OTG 1950) and Bruce Whitehead (OTG 1950) in 1950. This award is no longer presented but perhaps it might be resurrected. One name is also conspicuous in its absence: Gerald Patterson attended Trinity from 1904 to 1907 and went on to win the men’s singles at Wimbledon in 1919 and 1922. Regrettably, Gerald had already left the school when this award was instituted.

1953. The school still runs House Swimming as an annual event.

First XVIII Best and Fairest Trophy Finally, the First XVIII Best and Fairest Trophy is presented each year by the OTG Football Club. This tradition began in 1994 and many of the names inscribed on the trophy have gone on to play AFL football, including Luke Power (OTG 1997), Sam Power (OTG 2001), David Mackay (OTG 2006), Tom Cutler (OTG 2013), Anthony Scott (OTG 2013) and Nick Larkey (OTG 2016).

As a side note, congratulations to David Mackay on his retirement from the Adelaide Crows after 248 games.

Rohan Brown

The Dr EM Inglis Memorial Trophy for House Swimming One of the more impressive trophies in the McIntyre Sports Centre is the Dr EM Inglis Memorial Trophy for House Swimming. Dr Inglis was one of the founders of Trinity Grammar School and he was also the Kew Health Officer. The trophy bearing his name was first presented in

The JF Ross Tennis Racquet

The Dr EM Inglis Memorial Trophy for House Swimming

The First XVIII Best and Fairest Trophy

Howard Everard

Cahal Cotton (the 2019 winner) presenting the shield to Jonathan Wade (the 2020 winner)

Alex Dobell, Ben Rosenberg, John Hargrove, Leo Min and Kevin Wang participated in this year’s Younger Oration

October 2021 | 19

From the Parents’ Association Staying connected and supporting one another whilst navigating Lockdown 6 has been invaluable to many parents and guardians.

Our unique perspectives and individuality enable us together to enrich our parental toolkits.

Distance Learning creates its own challenges, and those challenges are unique to every household.

Thank you to our school for providing ongoing support and guidance to our parents, guardians and students.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has limited the opportunities available for us to meet in person – for the moment at least. The safety of our community is of the utmost importance to us and adhering to current restrictions has meant that we have been unable to proceed with many social functions. At the time of writing, we have the Oaks Day Luncheon and the Founders’ Day Fair on our calendar, and we hope these can still go ahead.

Trinity’s 14-day quarantine brought new challenges and the PA was able to support our community in many different ways. The PA Committee purchased Deliveroo vouchers for teaching staff and ESS to extend thanks on behalf of all parents during this exceptional time for our school. In addition, Deliveroo generously gifted all families a $15 voucher to spend during this time.

Speaking for my family, this was a key highlight during quarantine – thank you, Deliveroo! Distributing the vouchers without the support of the Community Engagement Office would not have been possible so many thanks to Lucy Cohen and Felicity Quilty for their assistance.

Support from within our community was fantastic during the quarantine period with the TGS TLC group receiving generous donations which

20 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

The TGS TLC group gave their time generously throughout quarantine and provided ongoing compassion and support to our community. meant they could provide kindness and TLC to affected families and staff. The care packages consisted of vouchers and online deliveries (due to quarantine, the normal delicious meals and goodies donated could not be distributed).

Thank you to Alice Noonan and Angela Gill (Co-Convenors of TGS TLC) for their tireless work.

They gave their time generously throughout quarantine and provided ongoing compassion and support to our community.

With entire households unable to go outside for 14 days, pets were also impacted, especially dogs as families could no longer take them for walks. The MLC Community Care group provided 150 volunteers to walk the dogs of Trinity and Ruyton families and staff. The volunteers took more than 60 dogs for their daily walks. I extend an enormous and heartfelt thank you to Annette Dal Sasso (MLC and Trinity parent) for coordinating this initiative which embodied the wider community spirit. Without this wonderful support it would not have been possible to provide a bright moment for Trinity dogs from across all sections of our school. I would also like to thank the MLC volunteers who donated their time to walk the pets of the Trinity community.

During the quarantine period, the information and support from the school was invaluable. Many thanks to the Senior Leadership Team at Trinity who provided daily information updates. A central instant messaging WhatsApp group was established for Class Reps from the ELC to Year 12. This group

created a vehicle for information from the school to be quickly disseminated to parents in what was often a rapidly shifting environment.

Class Reps at each year level then posted information on the year level WhatsApp groups and coordinated questions back to the school. Thank you to Lisa Williams (Senior School Class Rep Coordinator), Diana Nelson (PA Nominee to School Council) and Melissa Gallace (Junior School Class Rep Coordinator) for liaising between our Principal Adrian Farrer, Mark Glover (Trinity’s Director of Business) and the central WhatsApp group. In addition, I would like to thank the Class Rep parents from across the school for their positivity and for facilitating their year level group chats. This group was instrumental in ensuring relevant information was distributed quickly and consistently.

The Trinity Friends of Music (TFOM) are currently arranging a special farewell for Michelle Stanic (Director of Music) who, after 36 years at Trinity, is retiring at the end of this year. Michelle will be greatly missed and the TFOM invites our community to be part of the farewell.

Please contact the group via PA@trinity.vic.edu.au for details.

On behalf of the Trinity PA Committee, I wish everyone the very best during these challenging times and encourage you to stay connected.

Heidi Pfeffer President of the Parents’ Association

Banjo is waiting for his friend to come and walk him

Indie

Griffin keeps a watchful eye on the door

Banjo (on right) with his new MLC friend

Schatzi from MLC has come to take her Trinity friend for a walk

Fitzy

Lottie is enjoying her freedom in the park

Pip is COVID-safe and ready to go!

October 2021 | 21

Community Engagement Celebrating the role of ‘dad’ on Father’s Day On the first Sunday of September, we celebrate and give thanks for the dads, grandads, family members and special friends in our students’ lives, including those wonderful father figures no longer with us.

‘Father’s Day gives us a strong reminder about what we are trying to achieve at Trinity – to grow good men,’ Principal Adrian Farrer said.

‘The joy of fatherhood can be balanced by the challenges at times, so while Father’s Day can be seen as a commercial event in this era, it is valuable nonetheless to take the time to reflect on, simply, being a good father.’

To bring some TGS spirit to the at-home celebrations this year, the Community Engagement team shared a set of recipes from The Mitre Cookbook for families to create and enjoy together. The Junior School also provided some beautiful

Trinity cards for students to colour in and gift to their loved ones.

The role of ‘dad’ looks different for every family, which is part of what makes it so special.

Junior School Captain Sidney Johns, who lives with his two mums, has a very special relationship with his dads.

‘Whether it is kicking the football with you, or assisting you with homework, dads are always there supporting you, commonly with some advice,’ he said.

‘I don`t live with my dads, but they have still managed to share their love of biking and food with me, and most importantly, they have shared their dedication to the North Melbourne Football Club. No matter what impact dads have on you, big or small, they are always there to encourage and support you.’

Mark Toner, father of School Captain Will Toner, feels that his role is ‘forever in transition’.

Junior School Captain Sidney Johns with his dads, Andrew and Paul

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‘Those earlier years when we were idols to our kids, they’d literally believe anything we told them. They were fully dependent on us, for their wellbeing, entertainment and love.

In those mid-teenage years, the word “dad” is often synonymous with “taxi” (to basketball, footy or a friend’s house) and “money printer” (for the orthodontics, school fees and the latest Apple i-whatever). And now in these early adult years, we become a driving instructor, a friend and mentor.’

‘It’s the perfect role and I wouldn’t swap it for any other,’ he said.

Copies of The Mitre Cookbook can be purchased for $25 (or two for $40) via www.trybooking.com/YIOL All proceeds go to the Trinity Parents’ Association for distribution to the Mito Foundation, which supports people affected by mitochondrial disease.

School Captain Will Toner with his dad, Mark

Donor Story - Kenneth Tse (OTG 1961) Earlier this year we received a significant gift directed to our Indigenous Scholarship Fund. The donor, Kenneth Tse, is a member of our OTG community who had lost connection with Trinity once he left his old school. However, after reading an article in The Trinity Grammarian, he was impressed with our Indigenous program and decided to show his support in the most immediate way, by making a major gift to the Indigenous Scholarship Fund.

The power of gifts like Ken’s enable us to change the lives of so many boys and strengthen important education learning journeys and programs. We are grateful to all our donors for continuing to support Trinity and our students, especially in these ever-changing times.

‘I left Australia after my internship in 1969, and I have been living in Canada since 1971. A few years back, when I visited Melbourne, my cousin, Laurence Law, who is also an OTG, took me to the school for

Ken in Myanmar

a visit. I could hardly recognise the place except for Roberts House where I boarded. Since then, I have received The Trinity Grammarian, and one issue discussed the Indigenous student scholarship. I thought that was an excellent way to provide Indigenous students a chance to advance their education and hope that they can finish a tertiary education and return home to serve their community. That is what triggered my little contribution.

$61,517.26

2021 Annual Giving Total

Many Trinity students have been supported over the years by the ongoing generosity of our philanthropic community.

Whether these gifts have been an annual contribution or a Bequest, every gift has an impact, and we thank our regular and new donors for their most generous support.

2021 TOTAL DONORS

LARGEST GIFT

YOUNGEST DONOR

AVERAGE GIFT

OLDEST DONOR

SMALLEST GIFT

41

Year 10 Student OTG 1944

I was fortunate that my family sent me to Trinity, because I was an average student and I do not have a good memory. When I was taking British History, Mr Leppitt told me that remembering dates are not as important as understanding the social, economic and political conditions. After that, it opened up my mind and I was able to get past the memory part of medicine, and excelled in my profession as a specialist.’

$20,000

BEQUESTS RECIEVED

1

$1,500.42 $20

TUNGA SOCIETY MEMBERS

37

October 2021 | 23

Farewell and thank you!

According to the Australian Institute of Business: ‘On average, today’s Australian employee changes jobs 12 times throughout their life, with an average tenure of 3.3 years.’

Between them, these three staff members, who are retiring at the end of this year, have over 103 years of service to Trinity!

We acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to Rohan Brown (33 years), Kate Hall (35 years) and Michelle Stanic (36 years) for their loyalty and dedication to the students of this school. While longserving staff members are always acknowledged in The Mitre, Trinity’s yearbook, The Trinity Grammarian reaches the wider Trinity community and seemed an appropriate forum for Rohan, Kate and Michelle to reflect on their time at the school. All are characteristically understated about the numerous roles they have held and the significant impact they have had.

I have always taught Mathematics and coached two sports, football and volleyball, as well as organising loads of camps and rafting trips.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of school: the boys, staff, Old Boys, parents both past and present. Thank you to the Headmasters and Principals I have worked for and with and thank you to all the teaching and administrative and maintenance staff with whom I have shared the journey.

If I had my time again, I would not change a thing and, I would probably make some of the mistakes again too. There is a little bit of green and gold in my blood and a little bit of me in Trinity. Thank you for a most satisfying career and I hope to see many Old Boys, parents and past staff at Bulleen or at reunions. I would like to apologise to my kids and my wife for being a Deputy Headmaster at home as well as at school.

Rohan Brown Staff Member since 1989 How do you write something about yourself?

It was a gamble in 1988 to accept a teaching position at Trinity when it was offered by Mr Marles. I had also been offered a position at Scotch: imagine that, I could have been a Scotchie! It has been a marvellous 33 years with still a year of long service leave to take, but you have to know when the time is right to finish up.

Rohan Brown after a Senior School Assembly

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Michelle Stanic Staff Member since 1986 26/5/1986 – now that is a date I will never forget. I clearly remember walking into the P and F Hall with the entire TGS staff (yes, the whole staff could be seated in there with room to spare). We listened to the address of Mr Don Marles, the Headmaster who had recently appointed me. I wondered if Trinity and I would be a good match, and if I had enough to offer.

Fast forward (showing my age) to 2021 and almost 36 years later, and I contemplate what has been an exceedingly happy, exciting, challenging, opportunity-rich and diverse career.

I am grateful to record in print my sincere and eternal thanks to Barbara Argall (my first Music teacher who insisted I apply for the position at TGS), Suzanne Brimacomb (Director of Music,

mentor, and friend), Don Marles, five subsequent Headmasters and our current Principal Adrian Farrer, hundreds of staff (teaching/ESS and Maintenance), and the thousands of boys and parents whom I have been so fortunate to know.

Siegfried Franke and Therese McCoppin were there with me from the beginning, and I will always appreciate their friendship and support. All past and current Music staff have made an indelible impression on me in so many ways, and their positive influence on our wonderful boys is evident in the reputation Trinity students enjoy in the wider community, for both their personal conduct and dignity, and many for their outstanding musicality.

Kate Hall Staff Member since 1987 In 1986, I was facing a dilemma – to continue with teaching or take a chance by changing careers. As my uncertainty persisted, I took the advice of a friend who suggested that I should not turn my back on teaching but instead try the

Kate Hall addresses the Senior School

Michelle Stanic after her final concert

independent system. Ah, what sage advice, as I came to Trinity to teach English and happily have never given a thought to what else might have been.

So, I became immersed in the world of the green and the gold and the mitre, within the classroom and without. One major change was the experience of Saturday sport, as both coach and spectator, and the questionable joys of bus journeys to Bulleen for training on hot summer afternoons. Life at Trinity has also meant experiencing the miraculous

transformations associated with House Performing Arts Festivals, as well as so many marvellous plays and musicals where boys found their talents with another form of teamwork. It has meant visits to Lake Eppalock to see boys out of their comfort zone, while others were finding a place where they could excel, in a way that they never believed they could within the classroom.

Trinity has meant forming friendships with staff, students and families, with that well-worn concept of community being lived, rather than simply being proffered as something to be valued. It has meant a great deal to me as I found a place where I felt valued and where there has been amazing joy and fulfilment as a teacher – and to think I contemplated giving it all up. I must have been mad.

It has taken me 35 years but now I have made the decision to finish my teaching career, together with my wonderful friends, Michelle and Rohan. Thank you, Trinity, for all the fun – and yes, it has been great fun.

Who could wish for more from their career?

October 2021 | 25

From the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association Term 3 of 2021 will be remembered as one of the most challenging in the school’s history where our resilience was severely tested but the leadership and the Trinity spirit shone through with the community working together with remarkable care for one another and great generosity. Our thoughts are with our whole community, young and old, whose health, lives and livelihoods continue to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 with daily tests to our patience, mental health and physical wellbeing.

The term started very positively with the successful Old Trinity Grammarians’ Amateur Football Club annual business lunch held on 9 July with over 200 people in attendance (please see the images). Congratulations to the OTGAFC for all their efforts to host a very entertaining event and it was great to see so many of the OTG community coming together. A real highlight of the day was the presentation of the Stuart Stockdale (OTG 1968) Award for outstanding and selfless contribution to the OTGAFC. This was presented to Linda Weatherson by her son Edward (OTG 2010).

There was not a dry eye in the house as Edward shared his very engaging recollections of his mum’s influence on his life and the man he has become. Their family connection to Trinity spans over 70 years and Linda is part of Trinity’s Stakeholder Member Group.

Unfortunately, a number of other events on the OTG calendar were casualties of lockdowns including the Kew Business Breakfast series and a number of the school reunions scheduled for 2021. The response to the Kew Business Breakfast series was fantastic and we look forward to rescheduling this event in 2022, along with the reunions that have been cancelled in 2020 and 2021.

Hopefully life can return to a more normal setting in 2022 and we look forward to an action-packed year in terms of events.

Aside from the event cancellations, the OTG Club winter seasons were curtailed due to lockdowns and an early end to competitions.

The hard work and commitment required to field teams within these competitions and the dedication of the players to train and prepare is impressive and our commiserations go out to all involved with best

Emerson Satur and Andrew Ramsden with Principal Adrian Farrer

26 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

wishes for a strong return in 2022.

Similarly, we were disappointed that one of the annual highlights on the Harambee calendar, Run for the Kids, was also cancelled. The OTGA looks forward to supporting future Harambee events and hopefully we will be out running in this event next year.

Throughout the Olympic Games held in Tokyo, we paid tribute to the Olympians of Trinity Grammar on the OTGA Facebook page. Our thanks to all those who contribute towards the Trinity archives that enable us to remember our heritage and achievements of OTGs. The Olympians include some famous Trinity names across a range of events and eras beginning with Sir Wilfrid Kent Hughes (OTG 1908; 1920 Antwerp Olympics – 110m and 400m hurdles), Ray Weinberg AM (OTG 1944; 1948 London and 1952 Helsinki Olympics – 110m hurdles, 4x100m and 4x400m relays); Gordon Cowey (OTG 1947; 1956 Melbourne Olympics – rowing), Michael Craig (OTG 1948; 1960 Rome Olympics – hockey), Gary Eddy (OTG 1963; 1964 Tokyo Olympics – 400m and 4x400m relay), Ray Watson (OTG 1963; 1968 Mexico Olympics – basketball), Robert McIntyre (OTG 1974; 1976

Guest speaker Billy Brownless and Will Oldfield

Stuart Stockdale with Linda Weatherson and her son Edward

Innsbruck and 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics – downhill, giant slalom and slalom), Peter Eckhardt (OTG 1978; 1992 Barcelona Olympics – canoe slalom), Scott Ferrier (OTG 1992; 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics – decathlon) and Andrew Smith (OTG 1996; 2008 Beijing Olympics – hockey).

Reaching the pinnacle of one’s chosen endeavour is an amazing achievement and our community is very proud of the determination, perseverance and self-discipline displayed by these OTGs. Scott Ferrier features in this edition’s Back Page Interview on page 35.

Continuing the sporting theme, we congratulate David McKay (OTG 2006) following his retirement from the Adelaide Crows after a stellar career of 248 games in 15 seasons.

Thankfully, Trinity’s annual Careers Expo for Year 10, 11 and 12 was able to proceed despite the challenges posed by social distancing restrictions. Sixteen OTGs attended virtually to share their knowledge, background and insights across a number of industry sectors including medicine (Andy Kim OTG 2019 and Rolf Tsui OTG 1993), science research (Fred Hiskens OTG 2013 and Trent Perry OTG 1995), engineering (Stephen Yoannidis OTG 2013 and Daniel LansellKenny OTG 2010), architecture (Alex Paterson OTG 2005 and Adrian Amiconi OTG 1999), economics (Arthur Nitsopoulos OTG 2010 and Matthew Keys OTG 2013),

Will Cooper and Stephen Cooper wth guest speaker Caroline Wilson

management (Stephen Dewaele OTG 1992 and Fergus Koochew OTG 1994), marketing and advertising (Matt Bell OTG 2009 and Matt Corney OTG 2014) and law (Piers Mitchem OTG 2002 and Max Curtis OTG 2016). The engagement and enthusiasm of the students was excellent and the feedback on the speakers was fantastic.

Supporting our Old Boys’ career aspirations in what will be a challenging employment market continues to be a core focus of the OTGA. It is fantastic to see so many OTGs who have established successful careers giving their time and knowledge back to the school. In addition to the Careers Expo, we were pleased to see Dr Ivan McBean (OTG 1992), who is an R&D engineer at General Electric, participate in Trinity’s Science Week. We also heard from Chris Potts (OTG 2003) who has recently released his podcast, Careers Night, with a fascinating interview with David Turner (OTG 2003) about his journey into medicine – definitely worth a listen.

Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association Notice of Annual General Meeting

Please take a moment to follow us on our social media platforms and we welcome members of the community who may be able to assist in practical ways getting in touch with us.

Due to COVID, the AGM will be

otg@trinity.vic.edu.au

9854 3668 or by email

James Brown (OTG 1992) President

Tuesday 9 November 2021, 7.00pm – Online, via Microsoft Teams. All welcome.

Agenda • President’s Report • Treasurer’s Report • Election of Office Bearers • Other Business

held on Microsoft Teams. To ensure you receive the Teams meeting link to the AGM, please RSVP (by 3 November 2021) to Sharon Kendall on kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au

October 2021 | 27

Reunions During 2021, we were able to run the reunion program for one, five, 10, 20 and 50+ years leavers.

Unfortunately, it was necessary to postpone the 30 and 40-year reunions until 2022 due to COVID restrictions.

We have planned our Reunion Program for 2022 and look forward to seeing as many Old Trinity Grammarians as is practical.

We are also planning to host events in Sydney, Brisbane, Geelong and Mornington and would be grateful if OTGs living in those areas could contact us with your venue recommendations: otg@trinity.vic.edu.au or 03 9854 3668.

If you have recently moved or changed your postal, email or phone details, we would appreciate you keeping us updated with this information by contacting Sharon Kendall, Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator, at kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au or call 03 9854 3668.

Where are they now?

Can you help?

In these uncertain times, it is perhaps more heart-warming than ever to hear about old friends reconnecting. Over the years we do sometimes lose touch with our OTGs and would welcome them getting in touch should they wish to reconnect and learn about the reunion dates for their year level. If you are one of the OTGs listed below or you have been in contact with them, please pass on their details to otg@trinity.vic.edu.au and we will send them an invitation to their reunion.

28 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

2022 Reunion Dates 2017 Five-Year Reunion Wednesday 9 March 6.30pm-8.00pm – off site, TBA 2012 10-Year Reunion Friday 5 August 6.30pm-8.30pm – Kew campus 2002 20-Year Reunion Thursday 18 August 6.30pm-8.30pm – Kew campus 1990–1992 30-Year Reunion Friday 18 March 6.30pm-8.30pm – Kew campus 1980–1982 40-Year Reunion Friday 13 May 6.30pm-8.30pm – Kew campus 2021 One-Year Reunion Wednesday 5 October 6.00pm-8.00pm – off site, TBA 2022 Gold Mitre Lunch Wednesday 30 March 11.30am-2.00pm – Kew campus

Are you in contact with these OTGs? Please let us know.

‘82 Steven Acott

David Edwards

Christopher Pugh

Geoffrey Brand

Neil Freeman

Colin Rivenell

Jason Buesst

Attila Gaal

Adam Rudzki

Richard Bugg

Peter Hallam

Neil Singer

Andrew Carlile

Stephen Mance

Warren Smith

John Clearson

Martin Patience

‘72 Douglas Falconer

Nicholas Jessup

Milton Olley

Neil Forbes

Brampton Le Page

Richard Palamountain

Verne Gay

Trevor Legg

Graeme Perry

Michael Hawkins

Stephen Nall

Richard Raw

Paul Holder

Robert Nicholls

Christopher Wyatt

‘92 Ben Codling

Sasha Greig

Alex Laidlaw

Angus Nicol

Justin Davis

Michael Hannan

Chris Leftley

Ben Raby

Stuart Donaldson

Elton Hillman

Damian Mayer

Adam Tattersall

Ian Fenech

Anthony Holden

James McDonald

Timothy Wright

Leithen Francis

Adam Howatt

Alexander McLennan

‘02 Akaashdeep Dhillon

Thomas Novak

Steven Ebacioni

Lee Pattinson

Kenneth Lo

Nicholas Romney

Morgan Lokhorst-Blight

Alex Turner

Miyan Mears-Dagan

Luke Yang

October 2021 | 29

OTG Clubs OTG Cricket

OTG Football

The 2021-22 cricket season is (touch wood) set to commence in mid to late-October. The OTGCC will once again have two teams entered in the MCC Club XI – a 40-over competition convened by the Melbourne Cricket Club that provides us with access to some of the finest playing facilities in Victoria.

We are already turning our attention to 2022, but before we do so, we will draw a line and celebrate our achievements in 2021, as difficult and incredibly challenging a year it has been. During this truncated year, heavily affected by COVID and associated restrictions, we have learned a lot, reached some milestones, faced some challenges and achieved a great deal.

While we certainly play to win, and the competition is fierce, the club is strongly committed to helping people enjoy their cricket while building and maintaining social connections with their teammates off the field.

If you are thinking about having a hit this summer, please don’t hesitate to flick me an email as we are always very excited to welcome new players into the family! sebnicolosi15@gmail.com Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012) President

OTGCC First XI

30 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN

With record numbers registered and eight teams participating, it has been a fine year for the OTGAFC. At the time of writing, the VAFA have not concluded the season. Our Men’s Thirds team have reached finals as have the Under 19 Seconds team.

Traditionally we have held the Club Best and Fairest event on the Thursday evening of the AFL grand final week. Due to COVID restrictions it is highly unlikely we will be able to do so this year.

Accordingly, we are aiming to hold this season-concluding event in November.

Hopefully, we will be able to report on the 2021 Best and Fairest in the next edition of the Grammarian.

It is appropriate that I acknowledge the remarkable OTGAFC career of Luke ‘Patch’ Pacconi. Luke, a former captain of our Premier League team, recently announced his retirement after 248 games and a 14-year career. Patch has been an incredible servant and influencer of our club.

We will find a way for him to continue his connection with the OTGAFC. Neil Bowman President

OTG Soccer At OTGSC, the 2021 season continues to keep us on our toes!

Due to the unfortunate on-and-off lockdowns, Football Federation Victoria put the season on hold. We are waiting anxiously to see what decisions will be made regarding the remainder of the season. We greatly appreciate the assistance and support of the school and the Bulleen grounds staff as we plan for a modified and delayed season.

Thirds Footy

Nonetheless, the OTGSC Seniors and Reserves teams saw increasingly favourable results leading up the lockdowns, with a 3-2 Senior team win over Old Ivanhoe SC a particular highlight. As well, the Sunday Thirds and Fourths continued to battle with mixed results but must be commended on their team spirit. The players and staff have been fantastic in their approach to the inconsistent season and are eager to return to the club once restrictions allow. In the meantime, the club committee is organising an online FIFA competition which will aim to quench the competitive thirst of our club members.

The OTGSC currently supports four teams: Senior/Reserves Men (State League 5), and Sunday Thirds/Fourths Men (Metropolitan League). We are also on the lookout for a 2022 Reserves Men’s team coach (paid position) to coach on our training nights (Tuesdays and Thursdays), as well as on game day (Saturdays). If you are interested in joining one of our teams, or in taking on a staff position, please contact Jeremy Neylon on 0407 580 045 for more details.

Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013) President

OTG Water Polo The Old Trinity Otters Water Polo Club has begun the Winter 2021 season well, fielding a 15-strong side in the State League 3/4 competition at MSAC. Led by team captain Sam Bennett (OTG 2019), a 9-8 win against Monash Uni was achieved in the first and only match of the season so far. Water polo can be hard to enjoy in winter with the cold, but enthusiasm has not been dampened due to a warm social atmosphere and indoor swimming pools. Overall, the Club is headed in a positive direction and new players are always welcome.

Ed Smith (OTG 2017) Treasurer

OTG Soccer

OTG Otters

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News of Old Boys Bernard Eddy (OTG 1948-61) is living with his beloved wife Dorothy Baker in Morpeth, on the banks of the Hunter River near Maitland, just a short drive to Newcastle where his children and five grandchildren live. He keeps in close contact with two very distinguished friends, Dr Andrew Campbell (OTG 1948-60), and collector and esteemed valuer, Ian Armstrong OAM (OTG 194960 – Ian is also a member of Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement). Bernard has now been acquainted with Andrew and Ian for 70 years after they struck up a friendship in their early days at Trinity. In 1961, Bernard was School Captain alongside the unique Warwick Smead (OTG 195161) as Vice-Captain; sadly, Bernard laments, Warwick left us too early.

It was great to hear from Sam Hirschfelder (OTG 1997-05) who is a composer, musical director and drummer in the US. Sam has recently launched Forager Records, a record label based in Los Angeles.

Sam’s focus is to unearth and breathe new life into rare and underappreciated sounds from the past, providing older and often unfairly treated artists an opportunity to thrive in a new market. For more information visit foragerrecords.com Sam has collaborated on a number of projects, as well as doing a lot of playing and scoring. He recently scored his first American feature film, What We Found, which was released in 2020.

Todd Allison Fehres (OTG 201015) is excited to share that he has recently launched a not-for-profit foundation called the Bigger Dreams Foundation (biggerdreams.com.au). Bigger Dreams assists athletes, creatives and young entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and aims through tangible programs and workshops to

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lower the percentage of outstanding talent lost through financial, physical and mental hardships.

Tim Crundall (OTG 2002-10) is currently completing his PhD in Astrophysics and Astronomy at Cologne University in Germany, having already completed a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a Master of Astrophysics and Astronomy (ANU).

Julian Alsop (OTG 1975-80) was recently in touch with the sad news of his father’s passing (Roger Alsop OTG 1944-46) – please see In Memoriam on page 34. After a long career in finance, Julian has retrained in medicine and was awarded his FRACGP in June this year.

Reuben Shaw (OTG 1987-99) invites the Trinity community to call into Port Melbourne Cycles in Bay Street if they are passing through!

In more cycling news …

Congratulations to Mitchell Docker (OTG 1999-04) on his planned retirement from professional cycling at the end of 2021. Mitchell is looking forward to returning to Australia with his family after a 13-year professional cycling career. Mitchell hosts a series of podcasts Life in the Peloton on lifeinthepeloton.com

rewarded with Life Membership of the Adelaide Football Club. That same year, he also received the Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy for his outstanding professionalism and attention to detail. In 2018, David became the 16th player to reach 200 games for the Adelaide Crows.

Congratulations, David, on a career well played and we wish you and your family all the best for the future.

Many of our Old Trinity community will know of Dr Brad Rundle (OTG 1988-93) as a student or staff member at Trinity. Brad is now the founding director of the registered charity Therapy Animals Australia and has developed the PAWS in Schools program that improves the mental health of both students and teachers. This innovative program facilitates social and emotional learning, helping students to understand themselves better and learn strategies that assist with maintaining their mental health and overall wellbeing. When Brad and his team are not training therapy dogs for schools (like Trinity’s very own therapy dog, Harvey Peanut), they are training assistance dogs for individuals who suffer mental health illnesses. If you would like to contact Brad, please email him at info@therapyanimals.org.au or use the website therapyanimals.org.au

Mitchell’s brother Kirk Docker (OTG 1994-98) is director and co-creator of the multi award-winning ABC show You Can’t Ask That.

After 248 games with the Adelaide Crows, David Mackay (OTG 200106) announced his retirement from playing AFL. In 2006, David was drafted and made 19 appearances in his debut season, winning the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award. David’s career has been built on resilience and in 2016, he was

Brad presenting to a school group with his dog Radar

It was great to hear that Jason King (OTG 1985-89) is still in the UK where he and his partner are the owner/operators of The Wellington Arms in Baughurst, Hampshire, which dates back to the 1700s. It is a renovated pub in a beautiful garden setting and has won many UK hospitality awards.

Thanks to Tim Larkin (OTG 196873) for getting in touch about the kayaking picture in the last Grammarian. The photo was taken at the 1973 Victorian Championships at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. Tim believes that in 1969, the first Trinity students participated in Victorian Amateur Canoe Association regattas and in the Australian Championships with some success (Tim was one of them!). The following year, Trinity students competed in the Murray Marathon for the very first time. Tim now lives in Western Australia and would be happy to help with answering any questions.

Tim Larkin, Jim Sloan, John Wright and Chris Williams

Nick Pearce (OTG 2006-11) and his partner Dani welcomed their

Nick Pearce witth baby Jack

first child, Jack Archer, in July. Nick is also Co-Captain of the OTGAFC Thirds. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing Jack at Trinity in a few years!

Chris Potts (OTG 1996-03) has established Dado, a support network for students as they transition from adolescents to adults. Careers Night (a series of podcasts) is the first venture by Dado and aims to demystify careers, and to showcase different jobs and pathways to success by asking the question ‘What’s your job? And how did you get there?’ In Season One, Chris talks to an infectious diseases doctor, a digital marketer, a content designer at Netflix, and an AFL footballer. Their journeys form valuable lessons about overcoming adversity, career changes, pursuing your passions and planning for the future. To listen to the podcasts, search Careers Night on your podcast provider. Hint: some of Chris’ guest speakers will be well known in the Old Trinity community and will make interesting listening!

It is always wonderful to hear from the Right Honourable David Ashton Lewis (OTG 1961-67), a member of Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement.

After leaving Trinity and studying Law, David practised as a barrister and solicitor in Melbourne, Tasmania and Papua New Guinea. He sat on the High Court and Court of Appeal of Fiji and was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the Law in the Pacific Islands nations. He is now a corporate governance consultant,

David Ashton Lewis 40 years after his Law School graduation

an advisor to a Pacific Islands nation and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Southern Cross University Law School. He also has a regular slot (Thursday 10.00-10.30am) on Radio 4CRB 89.3.

David reports that he is fit and well and plans to work (God willing) until he is 80 in nine years’ time.

He looks forward to travelling to Melbourne for the annual Gold Mitre Luncheon in March and reflects: ‘It is always a pleasure to reminisce over our “salad days” and remember the excellent teachers who were instrumental in encouraging and shaping our lives. As the years pass, it puts the excellence of Trinity Grammar School into perspective and what it gave me. Whatever I have become in life both personally and professionally is in large part due to the input that Trinity and the staff gave to me. It is truly rewarding to see the ongoing life of the school, its values and the contribution that it can make in the life of a student if they grab that opportunity with both hands and enjoy the ride.’

Congratulations to Freddy Stammers (OTG 2005-09) who married Joanna Chen in Melbourne in February 2021 (just hours before one of our lockdowns). Karl Haydar (OTG 2003-09) was his best man.

Freddy is a chef who has worked both locally and overseas; he was recently appointed as head chef at the Grandview Hotel in Fairfield.

Freddy Stammers with his wife Joanna

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In Memoriam In Memoriam Ian Robinson (OTG 1947-51) sadly passed away in May this year. A celebration of Ian’s life was held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. At school, Ian was a member of Merritt House.

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of the following members of the Trinity community and we offer our condolences to their families and friends.

Roger Alsop (OTG 1944-46) was involved in the Trinity community as a former student and also as a parent to Julian (OTG 1980). He was very active in what was known as the Dads’ Club, a group which did lots of work around the school and at the Eppalock site. Roger was a student at Trinity and then Melbourne Grammar and, after school, at RMIT. He was an early proponent of nuclear medicine and worked for many years in that industry as well as in defence. He was president of the Australian Nuclear Association from 2001-2004 and prominent in the fields of radiation protection and health physics. Roger is survived by his son Julian, daughter Amelia and their families.

Percy Boniface (OTG 1939-41) passed away in August. At school, Percy was a member of Henty House and upon leaving Trinity, he served in World War Two. He still had his school blazer some eighty years after he finished! Percy’s son Noel (OTG 1965-70) also attended Trinity.

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Luca Giannarelli (OTG 2006-20) started at Trinity in the ELC and was at the school for 15 years. He graduated in 2020 (the first year of COVID) and had his future in front of him. Luca was one of the most popular boys in the year level, always engaging, always with a cheeky smile and a love of life. Sadly, he passed away in June and his funeral was a sad occasion, where boys and families were united in their grief.

Rev’d Matt Campbell conducted the service. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Luca’s parents, Robert and Gabby, and to his sister, Talia. Robert and Gabby were both involved in school life and supported Trinity behind the scenes.

The OTGA plays an important role in supporting men’s health and wellbeing. Please seek out help and support if you need it.

Dr John Silver (OTG 1947-55) passed away in July. Phil Asker (OTG 1952-62) sent a reading for the service, which was held at Holy Trinity, Kew. After leaving TGS, John completed his schooling at Taylors College. He was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to study Medicine at the University of Melbourne. John’s sons David (OTG 2002) and Paul (OTG 2006) also attended Trinity.

Roger Woodruff (OTG 1957-63) had a long career at the Austin and Warringal Hospitals as a haematologist and oncologist. He also played an important role in the development of palliative care in Australia. Roger, who passed away in July, was a former St Paul’s chorister and a member of Roberts House.

In Memoriam compiled by Rohan Brown and Sharon Kendall

Back Page Interview in Atlanta. My career as a decathlete took me to two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games and various World Championships, and ended in 2004 when I retired just a few months out from the Athens Olympics due to injury.

Scott Ferrier (OTG 1992) Four years after completing his studies at Trinity, Scott Ferrier donned the green and gold to represent Australia as an Olympic decathlete. The decathlon combines 10 events over two consecutive days: the 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110 metre hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500 metres.

Scott’s athletic career took him to two Olympic and two Commonwealth Games, and also saw him cross paths with his now-wife Alison Inverarity who represented Australia in the high jump event.

Scott and Alison are current TGS parents to Tom (Year 11).

You are one of Trinity’s Olympians!

Tell us about your experience as a decathlete.

I started my Olympic journey after I finished Year 12 in 1992, training with the VIS Head Coach of Multi Events, Efim Shuravetsky. It involved training in events I hadn’t done before, like javelin and pole vault, as well as lots of weight training, gymnastics and running. I made an Under 23 development team that toured South East Asia and from there qualified for the 1996 Olympics

The sportsmanship between Australian decathletes Cedric Dubler and Ashley Moloney brought some extra attention to the event this year – is this camaraderie between athletes a feature of the sport?

Very much so. It’s really common amongst the guys to help each other out because it’s all about your performance overall rather than beating each other head-to-head in each event. I remember Mike Smith from Canada screaming at me in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in the 1500m, he was sitting second and I third and he turned around and told me to ‘pick up the pace’!

Tell us about your career path after the Olympic Games and your role now. What do you love most about your current job?

Once I retired from the sport, I was a bit rudderless for a period. I was still working on my Commerce degree through Deakin University and had a two-year-old daughter and a son on the way. I needed to get into the workforce so I began labouring for my brother-in-law’s construction business. Although I enjoyed the work, I enlisted the help of Mr Rohan Brown to help find something that would align with my field of study, which he did by introducing me to some people at CUB.

I now run a small business in the office technology space which I enjoy as it affords me time to spend with my family. I also enjoy the many and varied challenges small business throws at you.

Tell us about your time at Trinity.

What kind of student were you?

I loved my time at Trinity and the friends I spent so much time with over the years, but as my teachers would attest, I wasn’t much of an academic student. Sport took up a lot of my attention and it wasn’t until I went back to study at university that I learnt to knuckle down. I wish I had applied myself more to my studies at Trinity.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the TGS community, both as a past student and current parent?

I love the Trinity community and being a past student and a current parent. I think the school has come a long way from when I attended and I think the opportunities for the boys now are outstanding.

Scott at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

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